Bernard Gottlieb
Bernard L. “Bernie” Gottlieb of Denver and Vail, a philanthropist who opened the Pan Am Building in Grand Central Station in 1962, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2019, at his home. He was 92. Rabbi Emily Hyatt officiated at the Dec. 11 service at Feldman Chapel. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Mr. Gottlieb was born Nov. 11, 1927, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only child of Irene Wolfson Gottlieb and Louis Gottlieb. He moved to Denver at age five with his extended family. His mother died five years later, in 1935.
An East High school graduate, he went to CU until WW II broke out. He joined the Army and served for two years. After the war he attended the Chicago College of Optometry, where he earned his DO degree.
Mr. Gottlieb started practicing optometry, specializing in contact lenses, in Adams County, where he also was the first president of the Adams County Chamber of Commerce.
At age 28, he accepted a job working for his uncle in New York. Mr. Gottlieb spent most of his professional career with Grand Central Station, for which he managed 7.5 million sq. ft. and became executive VP of what was then the largest commercial office building in the world.
Mr. Gottlieb returned to Denver in 1982. He was VP of Miller Davis, 1982-1987, before he was named executive VP of Amerimar Reality.
Mr. Gottlieb received the 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.
In 1963, Mr. Gottlieb created the first holiday toys and gift collection for children. Every year, 3,000 toys were donated and distributed to Jewish Childcare and other charities throughout Denver.
He married Emily Pabon Gottlieb in 1958. They spent 61 wonderful years together, primarily in Rye, NY.
The family says that Mr. Gottlieb, who loved travel, tennis and Shakespeare, was instrumental in bringing global companies together for commerce; was active in his local communities; and supported several Jewish causes.
“Bernie approached life with purpose and meaning and did so much for so many,” they said. “Challenged by Parkinson’s in his later years, he met each day with a zest for life and resilience that was inspiring.”
Mr. Gottlieb is survived by his wife Emily P. Gottlieb of Denver; children Irene Gottlieb-Old (Geoff Old) of Sarasota, Fla., Rose G. Seserman (David) of Greenwood Village and Eva Gottlieb of Vail; and grandchildren Rachel Seserman-Patzik (Zach), Jacob Duvall, Leon Seserman and Jonah Duvall; several cousins; and close friends in Denver and Rye, NY.
Contributions may be made to the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect, www.annefrank.com.
