NEW YORK — Gabriel “Gabe” Colasante, who built Gabar Inc. into a leading swim company, died of a heart attack Sept. 4 at his home in Manhasset, N.Y. He was 71.
Colasante, trained as a certified public accountant, bought Gabar Inc. with a partner in 1972. Under his direction, the brand became a leading swim resource in specialty and department stores, and was known for its suits made of cotton pucker fabric and innovative prints.
Gabar was also a licensor and over the years made swimwear for brands such as Calvin Klein, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo and Coca-Cola, in addition to producing private label merchandise.
Colasante sold the company to Swimwear Anywhere in 1994, but remained as president of the Gabar division until he retired in 2001.
A native of Italy, Colasante arrived in New York in 1946. He graduated from Queens College and received a graduate degree from Baruch College. Before entering the swim business, he worked at an accounting firm.
Tristine Berry, merchandising manager at Honeywell Nylon, knew Colasante for 25 years and remembered him as a “tough negotiator” who was well known for his generosity.
“He was a mentor to many in the industry,” Berry said.
Jerry Fleisher, a sales executive with Swimwear Anywhere, worked with Colasante for more than 20 years, and said Colasante had passion for the business and was known as “the go-to guy” at the company.
Colasante is survived by two sons, Jeff and David; a brother, Gilbert, and five grandchildren.
Donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Va. 22038.