Jerome Manfield Rothstein

Born in Freeport, Illinois, Jerry came to Florida with his young family in 1968. A resident of Sarasota for nearly 60 years, Jerry was active in real estate as an investor, broker, and consultant. He taught courses in real estate at Manatee Community College and as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida. After retiring, Jerry attended and graduated from the Stetson University College of Law and embarked on a second career as an attorney, serving as a local government lawyer and administrative law judge for the City of Sarasota.

Committed to the arts and education and to civic, national, and international philanthropies, Jerry supported Florida Studio Theater, the Ringling Museum, New College, Keep Sarasota Beautiful, and the Weizmann Institute of Science, among other institutions. He served on various religious and civic boards, including as Chairman of both the state Community Health Purchasing Alliance (CHIPPA) and the Sarasota Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Over their more than 60-year marriage, Jerry and his wife, Sonya, raised three daughters. All three attended Pine View School, and all three also pursued legal careers, with his youngest becoming an appellate judge.

Jerry is survived by Sonya; his three daughters, Julie (Michael Wild), Amy (the late Thomas Barksdale), and Susan (Sam Youakim); and his six grandchildren. Private services will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota.

Jerry was funny, smart, unfailingly supportive, and infinitely loving. We miss him terribly