Obituary of Bernard Louis Gottlieb

Bernard L. Gottlieb, 92, of Denver and Vail, CO formerly from Rye, NY passed away peacefully on December 9, 2019 at home. ‘Bernie’ was born in Cincinnati, OH on November 11, 1927, the only child of Irene (Wolfson) Gottlieb and Louis Gottlieb. He moved to Denver, CO at age five with extended family, unfortunately losing his mom short time later in 1935. Bernie graduated from East High School and went on to study at the University of Colorado in Boulder until interrupted by World War II. He served in the Army returning to Chicago College of Optometry where he finished his B.S. and received a degree as Doctor of Optometry, leading his class as President receiving the Alpha Omega Medal for outstanding service. Bernie began his career in Adams County as an Optometrist specializing in contact lens and became the first President of the Adams County Chamber. After building a thriving practice, at 28, he reversed directions and accepted a job in New York working for his Uncle. Most of his professional tenure was at Grand Central Building Inc. in NYC. In 1962, he opened the Pan Am Building in Grand Central Station managing over 7.5 million square feet and became Executive Vice President of the once know world’s largest commercial office building. Bernie continued a lifelong career in Commercial Real Estate management (and quietly maintained a license to practice medicine, oy) that he continued when he returned to Denver in 1982. Bernie held position as Vice President with Miller Davis, 1982-87 until named Executive Vice President of Amerimar Reality, earning Real Estate Company of the year, twice. He went on to earn Denver Partnership’s Award of Honor in 1989 for his creative work in infusing new life at Denver Place during tough economic times. He served on the Board of The Denver Partnership and Denver Chamber of Commerce. Bernie’s great achievements were his charitable initiatives, creating the first annual holiday toys and gift collection for children in 1963. Bernie reach out to corporate tenants in New York, receiving over 3000 toys donated and distributed equally every year to Catholic Charities, Protestant Welfare Agency and Jewish Childcare. He continued the annual holiday toy collection in Denver insisting on equal disbursements to interfaith organizations. Bernie met the love of his life, Emily Pabon. They married in 1958 and spent 61 wonderful years together, primarily in Rye, NY. where they raised their three daughters. Bernie loved travel, tennis and Shakespeare! He was instrumental in true cross culture collaboration, bringing global companies together for commerce and comradery. He was active in his local communities and supported several Jewish agencies. He was the first President of the Nippon Museum in NYC and owned the Butterfly Museum in Colorado for a few minutes. Bernie approached life with purpose and meaning and did so much for so many. Challenged with Parkinson’s in his later years, he continued to meet each day with a zest for life and resilience that was inspiring. He is survived by his wife, Emily P. Gottlieb of Denver, three daughters, Irene Gottlieb-Old of Sarasota, FL, Rose G. Seserman of Greenwood Village, CO and Eva Gottlieb of Vail, CO. ; son-in-law’s Geoff Old and David Seserman; and four grandchildren - Rachel Seseman-Patzik (Zach), Jacob Duvall, Leon Seserman, and Jonah Duvall. He also leaves behind cousins Jane (Wolfson) Schraeter, John Wolfson, Judge Erik S. Pitchal, and Ellen and Elizabeth Levy of New York, and many dear friends from Rye and Denver. Services will be held at Feldman Mortuary, 1673 York St. Denver, CO on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 1:30PM, immediately followed by graveside services at Emanuel Cemetery in Denver located at 430 Quebec Street. Contributions to Anne Frank Center for Respect, www.annefrank.com