Gerald Gitli

Gerald Gitli, a man of immense strength, sharp wit, and a legendary work ethic, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 23, 2026, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 92 years old.

Born on June 17, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the second son of Ida and Joseph Gitli. He began his professional journey as a plumber, and then moved on to become a plumbing inspector at the NYC Department of Buildings. Both careers helped him master the complexities of the trades-a foundation that would eventually lead to his greatest professional achievement.

In 1976, Jerry turned his expertise into a legacy by founding Aladdin Plumbing & Heating Corp. More than just a business, Aladdin was a testament to Jerry's belief in hard work, integrity, and providing for his family. He built a company that became a staple in the Brooklyn community.

Jerry took immense pride in the fact that Aladdin was a true family business. He passed his knowledge and values down to his sons, Randy and Erik, who worked alongside him for years. Today, they continue to carry the torch, ensuring the business thrives and maintains the high standards of excellence Jerry established five decades ago.

Jerry was never one to sit still. He believed in staying active and meeting life head-on with energy. In his younger days he would play basketball in the school yards in Brooklyn, ride motorcycles with his wife, ski and play paddleball. As he got older, he took up golf and became a passionate pickleball player, a hobby that perfectly captured his competitive spirit and love for social connection. Whether he was on the court or on the golf course, his vitality was an inspiration to everyone around him, proving that age was just a number.

While Jerry was a master of his craft, his greatest "masterpiece" was his family. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Susan. Their partnership was one of true devotion and shared dreams. In 1973, they moved from Brooklyn to East Rockaway, New York, establishing the home where they would raise their three children: Randy, Samantha, and Erik.

Jerry's role as a father was only eclipsed by his joy in becoming a grandfather. He was the proud patriarch to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom inherited his spirit and perhaps a bit of his famous Brooklyn resolve

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Susan Gitli (nee Robinov); devoted children, Randy (Elizabeth) Gitli, Samantha (Michael) Schaefer, and Erik Gitli (Cat Niemiera); cherished grandchildren, Megan (Brendan), Matthew (Kristen), Sarah (Brian) Zachary, Noah, and Hayden; and great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Joseph. He was predeceased by his brother, David Gitli; his step-siblings, Milton Liebowitz, Lillian Herman, and Hyman Liebowitz; and his parents, Ida Greenfeld and Joseph Gitli.

Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Interment Har Sinai- Garrison Forest Cemetery. In leiu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Please check the Sol Levinson website for shiva information.