Christy Bromberg, the longtime head gift buyer at Underwood Jewelers and wife of the company’s chairman, died unexpectedly on Friday at age 68. Born Christy Vlahos in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 12, 1958, she met her future husband, Clayton Bromberg, in elementary school. She attended Hollins University for two years before transferring to The University of Alabama, where she graduated with a degree in political science in 1980. That same year, Christy and Clayton moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked as the head gift buyer at Underwood Jewelers for many years while Clayton eventually became president of the jewelry store.
A Legacy in the Jewelry Industry
Bromberg became a familiar presence at jewelry industry events, particularly the American Gem Society Conclave, where colleagues remembered her warmth and enthusiasm. AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh described her as “a familiar and beloved face at AGS events and Conclave,” noting her big personality and charismatic wit. David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America, also offered condolences, saying the organization’s hearts were with Clayton, the Bromberg family, and the Underwood Jewelers community.
Beyond her professional life, Bromberg was active in local civic organizations. She served as president of the Jacksonville chapter of The University of Alabama Alumni Association and sat on the executive committee of Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board. She was also involved with the Junior League of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville chapter of Children’s Home Society.
Personal Passions and Community Ties
Those who knew her recalled her love of cooking, entertaining, and collecting objets d’art. A devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, she often attended games and wore crimson to show her school spirit. Her personal interests included fishing, listening to rock ’n’ roll, and occasionally enjoying a Bloody Mary or Johnnie Walker Black.
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Underwood Jewelers, which operates three locations, announced it would close all stores on Wednesday to allow staff time to grieve. A service was scheduled for 2 p.m. that day at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, followed by a reception at the Florida Yacht Club. Attendees were asked to wear crimson in honor of Bromberg’s alma mater.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Clayton; their son, Charles Clayton Bromberg Jr.; and two grandchildren, Zoë Dylan Bromberg and Charles “Charlie” Clayton Bromberg III. Her parents, Zoe Proferis Cassimus and Marcus Spiro Cassimus, also survive her, along with several siblings and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Chris Vlahos; stepmother, Myrna Malone Vlahos; daughter Zoe Proferis Bromberg, who died in 2011; and brother-in-law Frederick Wilkinson “Ricky” Bromberg, who died Sept. 2.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Prime S. Osborn Foundation Scholarship, the University of Alabama National Alumni Association, The Bolles School, or Ayla’s Acres Animal Rescue.
