LEWISTON — Jerome “Jerry” Feinstein, 95, passed away on Friday, Aug. 6, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Born on July 20, 1915 and raised in New Bedford, Mass., he was the oldest son of Benjamin and Rose Barr Feinstein and was an exceptional and gifted student. He received a scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but instead chose the shoe industry and became general manager of Koss Shoe Co. Eventually, he opened his own manufacturing plant in 1961, and employed the largest hand sewn factory in America, Billen Shoe Co.. Later he opened Bethel Moccasin Co. in Bethel.

He also served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, and just prior to the outbreak of the war, married Emma Litz, who was with him for 68 wonderful years until her passing in 2008. Jerry was a Rotarian as well as a Shriner of the Scottish Rite of the 32th degree in which he was a member for 60 years. He was a member of the Beth Abraham Congregation of Auburn.

He leaves his son, Leonard “Lenny” of Lewiston; his brother, Elliot and his wife, Pauline, of New Bedford, Mass.; as well as his nephews and nieces.

He is predeceased by his brother, Ralph and his sisters Charlotte, Helen and Molly.

Many thanks to Dr. Jeff Brown and his staff for their care and compassion. Also a special thanks to his former employees in the Lewiston/Auburn area, whom he had the good fortune of working with.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.thefortingroupauburn.com.