Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68

Jacksonville, Fla.— Christy Bromberg, the gregarious and upbeat wife of Underwood Jewelers Chairman Clayton Bromberg and the store’s longtime head gift buyer, died unexpectedly on Friday. 

She was 68.

Born Christy Vlahos in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 12, 1958, Christy met her future husband, Clayton Bromberg, in elementary school. 

Christy 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 Christy worked as the head gift buyer at Underwood Jewelers for many years while Clayton eventually became president of the jewelry store. (Bromberg & Co. purchased Underwood Jewelers from Herb Underwood in 1974.) 

According to her obituary, Christy loved traveling with her family to jewelry industry events, including American Gem Society Conclave.

In a statement shared with National Jeweler on Monday, AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh said the organization was shocked and saddened to learn of her passing.

“A familiar and beloved face at AGS events and Conclave, Christy was known for her big personality, charismatic wit, and her love for Clayton, her family, and the Underwood’s team, Bodoh said.

“There was no one quite like her, and she will be missed.”

David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America, also expressed his organization’s condolences on Monday.

“We are saddened by the news of Christy’s passing,” he said. “Our hearts are with Clayton, the entire Bromberg family, and the Underwood Jewelers community.”

Outside of work, Christy loved cooking and entertaining, collecting objets d’art, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, listening to rock ‘n’ roll, fishing, and, occasionally, enjoying a bloody mary or Johnnie Walker Black.

She also served as president of the Jacksonville chapter of The University of Alabama Alumni Association, on the executive committee of Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board, as a member of the Junior League of Jacksonville, and as a board member of the Jacksonville chapter of Children’s Home Society.

On Monday, Underwood Jewelers posted a message on its social media channels sharing the news of Christy’s passing.

It reads: “Christy was such a special part of the Underwood’s family and our lives. She will be deeply missed, and our hearts are with Clayton, their son, and the entire Bromberg family during this difficult time.”

The jeweler, which has three locations, said all its stores would be closed on Wednesday so staff can pay their respects. 

Christy is survived by her husband of 46 years, Clayton; son Charles Clayton Bromberg Jr. (Robin) and two grandchildren, Zoë Dylan Bromberg and Charles “Charlie” Clayton Bromberg III; parents Zoe Proferis Cassimus and Marcus Spiro Cassimus; sister, Cleo O’Neal; brother, John Marcus Cassimus (Lexi), all of Birmingham, Alabama.

She is also survived by her sister Stephanie Leigh Vlahos of Clarksville, Tennessee; brother Chris Leon Vlahos of Nashville, Tennessee; sister Courtney Vlahos Smith (Bryan) of Memphis, Tennessee; brother-in-law Frank Hardy Bromberg III; sisters-in-law Nancy Beaird Bromberg and Lella Bromberg Wilbanks (Bruce); and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews.

Christy 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.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, with a reception immediately following at the Florida Yacht Club.

Everyone attending is encouraged to wear crimson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christy’s name to the Prime S. Osborn Foundation Scholarship, University of Alabama National Alumni Association, Attention Alumni Fund, P.O. Box 861928, Tuscaloosa AL 35486-1928; The Bolles School, 7400 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville FL 32217; or Ayla’s Acres Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 1634, St. Augustine FL 32085.