Melvin Winer, who founded Margolin, Winer & Evens (MWE) in 1946 in Garden City and New York, NY, one of the region's oldest and largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, has passed away at age 91.

As MWE's first managing partner, Mr. Winer directed the firm's growth and development from its earliest years in Jamaica, Queens, giving birth to what would become one of the Northeast's top 20 accounting firms and second largest on Long Island. He spearheaded the firm's first major expansion and relocation from its initial office in Jamaica, Queens to Garden City. He led the firm through its first stage of diversification, broadening the firm's practice groups to what would eventually include over 18 distinctive departments covering everything from real estate, construction, family businesses, manufacturing and distribution to litigation consulting, bankruptcies, valuations, professional, healthcare and financial services.

Among MWE's partners who knew Mr. Winer is Martin Waitz, who remembers him as having a sharp wit and equally sharp mind. "He was a warm and charismatic individual who endeared many to him," Waitz said. "He was the consummate advisor...a good listener, balanced and fair in his judgments and confident in the advice he gave. For those reasons, he was highly sought after for his advice and professional service."

In addition to providing his expertise to the firm's clients, Mr. Winer served as president and treasurer of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida condominium community in which he resided, as well as a past president of Tam O'Shanter Country Club in Brookville, where he was a member when residing in Roslyn.

Active in the local community, he was a frequent supporter of numerous philanthropic, cultural and educational concerns. Top among his charitable gift-giving list were those nonprofit organizations whose missions include helping those with heart disease.

Mr. Winer, who received his bachelor of science degree from CUNY Baruch College, was an active member of the accounting profession, whose affiliations included membership in the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

A man with strong family values, he enjoyed a long and happy marriage to his devoted wife, Lillian, who predeceased him. He is survived by their children, Judith Waitz of Roslyn and Alan Winer of Rochester, NY, as well as five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A gravesite service was held Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Mount Ararat Cemetery in Farmingdale. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Mr. Winer's name be made to the American Heart Association.