Adler "Nikki" Rothschild II

January 13, 1940 – September 22, 2025

Nikki Rothschild, 85, of Montgomery, Alabama passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025 after an extended illness. Nikki was born in New York City, New York, on January 13, 1940, to the late Adler and Ruth Rothschild. He lived a life of both generosity and kindness.

Nikki grew up in Pensacola, Florida. He attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta for a few semesters before attended school at Pensacola Jr College where he met his wife, Carolyn Rothschild. They both transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi to finish their degrees and get married. He also attended flight school and after flying his first solo flight, he decided it wasn’t his path. He leaned into his natural sense of humor and love of being “goofy,” taking theater classes, exploring the stage and learning the behind the scenes. Eventually, he and Carolyn settled in Montgomery, Alabama, where he began a career in real estate and home building, even building Carolyn, her dream home, where they raised their family for more than 50 years. His adventurous spirit led him to purchase Mel’s Photo Shop in Montgomery and transformed it into a popular computer and camera store. He hosted his own TV cable show called “Photo Flashes” where he taught camera and computer techniques. Always curious, he tried his hand at many ventures — including owning a children’s clothing store and a pinball arcade, much to his children’s delight. Of course, all the above wasn’t enough for him. At age 50, Nikki embraced a bold new challenge: he returned to school, became an attorney, and opened a law practice with his son-in-law, David Zimmerman. He continued practicing law until his retirement in 2020. His dedication to his clients was matched only by his deep care for the people in his life. Nikki’s contributions to the Montgomery community were many. He served as president of Temple Beth Or, was a member of the Lions Club, worked behind the scenes on lighting at Montgomery Little Theater and Jasmine Hill Gardens, and even took the stage in local productions. Along the way, he also discovered a love of poker. Above all, Nikki was devoted to his family. He and Carolyn raised four children, with whom he shared Girl Scouts, camping trips, debates, lessons, and laughter. He taught his children to embrace curiosity, humor, and honesty that shaped them into who they are today.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carolyn Toney Rothschild. He is survived by his four beautiful daughters, Kimberly Zimmerman (David) of Fairhope, Alabama, Karen Korshak of Roswell, Georgia, Kelly Green (Craig) of Tallassee, Alabama, and Kacie Reisman (Jeff) of Suwanee, Georgia; one brother-in-law, Terry Toney (Elise, deceased) of Montgomery, Alabama, sister-in-law Cindy Hodges (Theron) of Mobile, Alabama; Nikki’s greatest joy was his family, and his legacy continues through his nine grandchildren, Richard Rothschild Zimmerman (Beth), Elizabeth Adler Hope (Wilks), Sydney Nicole Korshak, Jacob Ryan Korshak (Kelsey), Harmony Faye Green, Kassidy Rose White (Wil), Jared Matthew Reisman, Micah Aaron Reisman and Eliana Blake Reisman; and two great grandchildren Charlotte Reign Parsons Reisman and Robert Charles Wilkinson Hope, Jr. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

The family is especially grateful to Joyce Roark whose love, devotion, and care brought Nikki comfort, companionship, and lots of laughs.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:30pm at Oakwood Cemetery Eternal Rest in Montgomery, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Temple Beth Or, 2246 Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36106.