NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Erdal Dere, a Manhattan antiquities dealer and owner of Fortuna Fine Arts Ltd.
Family members and funeral care representatives confirmed the death of 56-year-old Erdal Dere, who passed away on October 13, 2026. Born to Selim and Aysel Dere, he was the owner of Fortuna Fine Arts Ltd., a Manhattan-based art gallery specializing in ancient antiquities and historical artifacts. Dere is survived by his wife, Erin; his children, Lilly and Patrick; his parents; his sister, Semra; and several extended family members. Official administrative filings and vital statistics registrations are being processed under the appropriate health department jurisdiction.
Legal Background and Professional Context
Dere’s professional career attracted public and media attention following federal charges filed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The allegations involved wire fraud and identity theft stemming from antiquities transactions and associated provenance documentation. Federal legal proceedings regarding these administrative and criminal claims remained pending prior to his passing.
Funeral Services and Memorial Arrangements
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Public visitation will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Paramus, New Jersey, with interment following at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions be made in Dere’s memory to Convent of the Sacred Heart or Saint David’s School.
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