Ronkonkoma, NY Michelle Marie Zere, a figure in the Long Island commercial real estate industry for over 35 years, passed away on April 2, at the age of 56. Michelle was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, and dear friend for many, who will be missed by all who knew her.
Born in 1967 she grew up in Long Island and graduated from the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was an expert in real estate marketing and advertising starting out at The Long Island Builders Institute as the director of operations and then making the move into sales and marketing in the media industry as advertising manager at the New York Post, advertising director at Real Estate New York magazine, and national advertising director for Grid magazine. In 2002 she joined her family-owned brokerage firm, Zere Real Estate Services, to begin her career in the commercial real estate industry, heading up business development where she quickly rose to become a well-known and respected professional in the field.
Zere’s talent and expertise in commercial real estate were widely recognized, and she was a valued member of many professional organizations, including the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS), the Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG), the Suffolk County Women’s Business Coalition (SWBEC) and an active patriot on the Long Island scene.
Throughout her career, Zere demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her family, friends, clients, and her community. She was known for her tireless work ethic, her sharp intellect, infectious laugh, quick wit and passion for bringing people together. She was a strong advocate for her clients, her insights and advice were highly valued by those who sought her guidance.
Zere’s mother, Marie Zere said, “In addition to her professional accomplishments, Michelle sang opera, and in fact sang for Michael Bloomberg and Larry Silverstein at the REBNY yearly celebration in 2001. She traveled extensively all over Europe, Argentina, Panama, Columbia, Morocco, China, Japan, Thailand and throughout Russia, Azerbaijan, Israel and, in fact, got her husband out of the Soviet Union before Glasnost. Regis Philbin had her and her husband Alex on his show, sent them both to the University of California in Santa Barbara, where she was the top debater and worked on the Bush campaign at the Reagan Ranch. She helped launch Sean Hannity’s first radio show.”
Zere’s passing is a tremendous loss for her family, friends, and colleagues. She will be remembered for her warmth, her kindness, and her generous spirit. Her legacy in the Long Island commercial real estate industry will continue to inspire and influence others for many years to come.
Zere is survived by her mother Marie Zere, and her brothers Michael and David.
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