Jesse Rolnick

Jesse Rolnick died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in Atlanta, just a few months short of his 103rd Birthday. When asked the secret of his longevity, he replied, "I broke all the rules…but I did stop smoking." A fiercely independent person, he drove until he was 99, remained mentally sharp at all times, and refused to use a cane, walker or wheelchair until the last few weeks of his life.

Jesse was the beloved husband of the late Helen Rolnick, and father of the late Iven Rolnick. He is survived by his son Alan Rolnick (and his wife Jackie); four grandsons: Michael Rolnick (and his wife Carol) of Carlsbad, CA, Gregory Rolnick (and his wife Mary-Jo) of Glenview, IL, Mitchell Rolnick of Atlanta, GA, and Eric Rolnick of Los Angeles, CA; and four great grandchildren: Adam, Hannah, Kenneth, and Chloe.

Jesse died of ischemic colitis. He was aided over the last two years by David Weinstein, a true talent in the field of gastroenterology, and protected during his last six months by the nurses of Weinstein Hospice, private nurses, and the Assisted Living staff at The Piedmont at Buckhead.

Even at 102, Jesse still had virtually no gray hair, worked out with hand weights, and enjoyed walking through Lenox Mall. His age, or people’s disbelief of his true age, was often a source of amusement. Years ago, while chatting with a gentleman who complained about being 75, Jesse commented, “I have ties older than you.”

A gentle and quiet man, Jesse was a leader at everything he did, whether as the President of the National Association of Women's and Children's Apparel, the Regional Sales Manger of a highly successful boy's knitwear line, or head of his condominium association.

As a traveling salesman in his youth, he was always impeccably dressed, and he befriended many a department store merchandise manager by refusing to sell more than they needed (an impressive feat for a man who earned commissions on his sales).

However, his most notable accomplishment was when he responded to yearly IRS audits of his traveling expenses by finding an accountant in California who agreed to convince the IRS that he could start his own S corporation. This enabled him to start his own pension and profit sharing programs. Today, every entrepreneur and others whom are self-incorporated owe a debt to this man who was the first person in the US to incorporate himself. It was perhaps his most lasting contribution to society.

Jesse often marveled at how the world had changed during his lifetime and was interviewed this past year for a study on longevity. When asked what he thought were the two major changes in his 102 years, he thoughtfully replied “the Internet and race relations.” It brought him great satisfaction to watch his great-grandchildren navigate both technology and society so fluidly, and with such curiosity and exuberance.

To his final day, Jesse credited his longevity to the love of two great women: his wife of 62 years, Helen, and his daughter-in-law Jackie. However, as a testament to his love of family, he famously used to say, “I have no daughters-in-law, only daughters.” Jesse shared a special, close relationship with Jackie that grew stronger over the years as he began to rely on her for assistance and support.

Helen, his true love, was the extrovert that complimented his introverted nature. She could walk into a room of strangers and become best friends. He loved to sit back and let her "work the room,” as well as explore the world together during their many travels.

Later in life, one of his greatest pleasures was taking "four generation” pictures during each year's family birthday celebrations in his honor; posing with his son, grandsons, and great-grandchildren.

Jesse will always be remembered for his radiant smile, beaming with pride, as he surrounded himself with the family he loved so much and loved him tenfold in return.

Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday, the 26th of July at ten o’clock in the morning at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Elana E. Perry, Associate Rabbi of Temple Sinai officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 or Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327.