Jerry “Papa” Joseph Gottlieb 91, of Flagler Beach, passed away on April 19, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on July 4, 1929 in Catskill, New York to Jacob and Dora Gottlieb (Nachamkin). From the very beginning, Jerry had an entrepreneurial spirit. He began by opening several Carvel Ice Cream drive ins in the Catskills. Then, Jerry ventured into the auto industry by opening a Western Auto Part Store in Warwick, NY. In 1973, he moved his family to South Florida where he opened an auto dealership and auto parts store. Just three years later, he and his family moved to what would be their forever home of Flagler Beach, where he opened a Western Auto Parts Store. During his retirement years, he enjoyed getting behind the wheel of his motorhome and criss-crossing the United States. He visited all the states in the union except for Hawaii. When Jerry wasn’t traveling, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his beloved family. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Gottlieb in 1991. Survivors include his daughter, Carolyn (Walter) Kunisch; son, Michael (Lori) Gottlieb; grandchildren, Rachel Fralix, Jason Kunisch, Jacob Gottlieb, Mallory Todd; 5 great-grandchildren and many more loving relatives and good friends. Donations in his memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
