Richard Gershon Lesser, a former top executive at TJ Maxx and its parent TJX Cos., died Aug. 13 surrounded by his family. He was 91.

Lesser spent the early part of his career at the former Zayre discounter and former Filene’s department store. He eventually joined TJ Maxx, where he rapidly rose up the ranks and made his career mark, ultimately becoming president of TJX, the nation’s largest off-pricer. Also, during his career Lesser was a cofounder of Reebok USA.

Lesser lived in Jupiter, Fla., and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

“Dick’s impact on TJX extended far beyond the roles he held,” said Ernie Herrman, chief executive officer and president of TJX Cos., the parent corporation of off-pricers TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. “He was known for his strong business instincts, his ability to connect with people, and his genuine commitment to helping others grow and succeed. The respect and admiration so many associates continue to have for him speak volumes about the leader and person he was. His legacy will continue to be felt throughout TJX for years to come.”
 
“I first interviewed Dick Lesser in 1981 and knew from that very first meeting he would be a perfect fit for our company,” said Ben Cammarata, TJX founder and executive adviser. “Not only was Dick very bright, but he would be an important contributor to the developing culture of our young business, and he was. In addition to his impact as my business partner and adviser, most importantly, Dick became a great friend. I will miss our regular discussions about the business and life in general. He will never be forgotten.”
 
Added Carol Meyrowitz, TJX executive chairman of the board: “I had the pleasure of meeting Dick in 1994. He had an immediate and enormous impact on my life. He became a true mentor, advocate, and friend. Dick always had a way of keeping you calm and focused while always passing on his knowledge in a positive way. I had the privilege of working directly for him at Marmaxx,” the operating unit of TJX. “I will never forget his words of wisdom, the support he gave me, and his love for the organization. He will be truly missed by so many.”

Lesser spent more than two decades at TJX through the 1980s and 1990s, in a variety of merchandising and executive leadership roles, and was instrumental in the expansion of TJ Maxx and positioning it as the nation’s leading off-pricer.

Lesser held merchandising positions at TJ Maxx beginning in 1981. He rose to become president of TJ Maxx, and subsequently became executive vice president of TJX, chief operating officer of TJX, and president of TJX. He was also president of Marmaxx and served as its chairman in the early 2000s.
 
Following his executive career, Lesser continued to support TJX as a senior corporate adviser from 2001 until his retirement in 2005 and was on the board of directors from 1995 to 2007.
 
Beyond TJX, Lesser served on the boards of several public companies, including Reebok International Ltd., A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Inc., and Dollar Tree Stores Inc.
 
Lesser was born on Nov. 14, 1934, and grew up in Newton, Mass. While attending Northeastern University, he worked three jobs to help support his family. Lesser got engaged to his wife just 10 days after meeting her. They were married about three months later and had what people who knew him described as a 63-year love affair.

He enjoyed golf, walking and water aerobics, and was a faithful Red Sox fan. He was a voracious reader and student of history, with a particular fascination with World War II, Harry Truman and Winston Churchill. Philanthropy was important to him. He was particularly supportive of Alzheimer’s research, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Jupiter Medical Center and Jewish philanthropies.

Aside from his wife, Lesser is survived by his daughters Susan Alpert and Liz Chroman; his sons-in-law Joseph Alpert and Jason Chroman; five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Funeral services were held Aug. 17 at Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., which was followed by a second service Friday at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center in Vineyard Haven, Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lesser’s memory be made to the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, or the Admirals Cove Foundation.