It is with deep sadness that Der Dau shares the passing of founder and master craftsman, Jose Der, Sr. on March 11, 2023, in his home in Wellington, FL at the age of 95.

A pioneer in both the fashion and equestrian industries, Der will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. “From everyone at Der Dau, we are truly thankful for the outpouring of love, support, and understanding we have felt during this somber time.”

The Der family would like to welcome those who loved Jose to join them Monday afternoon, March 20th, 2023 from 3 pm to 6 pm at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach as they honor his life.

WHO WAS JOSE DER, SENIOR?

Jose A Der, Sr., of Wellington, Florida was born July 29, 1927 and passed March 11, 2023 at the age of 95. He was the example of the American dream.

Jose was born, son of Jose Der (of Lebanon) and Maria Dau (of Syria) who escaped to Cuba with their children after political conflicts in the region when he was a teenager. Jose ambitiously came to the United States without his family. He met and married his beautiful wife Maria Der. Together, they were a hard working, determined couple. With Jose’s years of experience in custom footwear, and Maria’s ambitious drive, they started Der-Dau- a small custom boot store on Flatbush Avenue, New York where they did repairs and sold most of their boots wholesale through dealers and retailers. Today, the Der-Dau factory is located in the Gravesend area of Brooklyn, New York. Jose and Maria traveled about 300 days of the year to “A-rated” equestrian competitions shaking hands with the best of the best in the equestrian world.

Jose Der, Sr., learned his craft in Cuba before moving to New York where the business thrives today under the leadership of his son, Joseph, the current CEO and Designer, known for his creative designs. Today, Der-Dau is one of the most respected names in equestrian sports for their manufacturing of custom boots, shoes and accessories for more than half a century. Der-Dau also specializes in luxury footwear for the Fashion savvy celebrities and CEOs. Some of those expressing themselves with Der-Dau boots are international world champion riders Ian Millar, Pablo Barrios, McLain Ward, and Schuyler Riley. Der has built friendships with an array of celebrities such as Charles Bronson, Paul Newman, Brandon Fraser, Brook Shields, and Bruce Springsteen as well as style icons Janet Jackson and Madonna- both of whom have been seen sporting custom Der-Dau footwear.

Jose Der was a large supporter of equestrian sports. He loved his business and building relationships with his customers. For years, Jose Der, Sr. was an icon. Every rider would feel privileged to sit on his custom throne to be fitted by Mr. Der for a pair of his custom boots that last forever. He was a like an expected fixture, centered at every major horse show in North America such as, The Hampton Classic (Bridgehampton, NY), Hits-on-the-Hudson (Saugerties, NY) The Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington, FL), HITS Ocala, and The Royal Horse Show (Toronto, Canada)- to name a few.

In the past few years, Der suffered numerous health setbacks, but no one could stop him from showing up at work again. He was a strong man who has devoted his entire life to his trade. He will be missed. There will never be another Jose Der.

Jose Der is survived by Maria Der; Daughters- Lissette Der-Irizarry, Yamile Der, and Son- Joseph Der;
Grandchildren-David and Dominick Irizarry, Anthony and Brandon Der-Gual, Savannah, Joseph, Sabrina
and Sophia Der.

Photo Credit: Phelps Media Group

Date Posted: March 13, 2023