Gerald KIRSCHNER Obituary

KIRSCHNER, Gerald Russell passed peacefully on July 30, 2024. Jerry was born in Bronx, New York on Jan. 26, 1946, to Herbert and Martha Kirschner. He grew up in Long Beach, New York and moved to Tampa, Florida in 1979 where he resided for the last 45 years. Jerry leaves behind his loving wife, Vivian; their three children and seven grandchildren. Randy, his wife, Susan the parents of Nicholas and Emma. Granddaughter, Elizabeth, first grandchild of Jerry and Vivian. Dr. Jeffrey Kirschner and fiancé Crissy, sons Noah and 2nd Lt. Zachary Kirschner USAF and his wife, Shannon. Jacalyn, her husband, Dr. James Muir and their children, Ashtyn and Austin. He is also survived by his sister, Roberta and her husband, Dr. Jack Kalmanson; and his brother-in-law, John Annarella. Gerald "Jerry" Kirschner will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and any person lucky enough to have made his acquaintance. The service will be held privately on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 in the presence of close family and friends.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times from Aug. 25 to Aug. 26, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald KIRSCHNER

12 Entries

Vivian Kirschner

July 30, 2025

A year has passed and i still can´t say the words that my heart wants to say I will
love you forever and so grateful for all the years we had together and the love we shared. This past year has been journey some days i make by the hour somedays minutes by minute
Many memories of you my Jerry K of which I treasure
I love you my dear husband
and i will carry you in my heart until we meet again
so save a place for me
Vivian

Cathy and Lou Ladimir

September 13, 2024

The first time we met Jerry I knew Vivian had found her soulmate. Jerry was very interested in us and wanted to get to know us both.
We had met a few times for lunch or dinner along with Phyliss and Bob Greytak, our mutual cousins.
It’s so sad that Jerry had to go through all those tests these last few months. Jerry is now at peace. Our deepest condolences to Viv and family.

Cousin Nick

September 11, 2024

Jerry had a personality too big to describe in words. Always fun and caring. Although separated by years and miles for some time now, he left indelible memories I will cherish, forever.
My most sincere condolences to my Cousin Viv, and all his loving family.
He will be missed by so many. I wish Peace for you, Jerry, and comfort for your loved ones.

Jay and Aimee

September 7, 2024

I first met Jerry as a child and he was introduced to me as Vivian´s boyfriend. It wasn´t long before my mom and dad were driving our family to Virginia Beach for Viv & Jerry´s wedding where they were happily married. I´d never seen my cousin Vivian so happy, as we all were for them both. Jerry was often a prankster and always a fun loving guy. He would always take us kids out for a Sunday car ride when he would visit us in Rockland County when we would all joke and laugh the whole time.

Fun loving for sure, but he did have a more serious side too. One thing I can share with you is I remember he helped me get through a high school romance rough patch with his words of wisdom and encouragement. For that I was extremely grateful, but I don´t know if he ever realized how much it meant to me at the time.

Not so long ago Aimee and I were fortunate enough to see him again during a vacation in Florida and I was happy to see his care free demeanor still on display. As life is often unpredictable, I didn´t know it would be the last time I would see him.

Aimee and I are sending our most heartfelt condolences to Vivian and Jerry´s family. He will be missed.

John Annarella

September 7, 2024

I first met Jerry when my sister brought him home to our house to meet the family. He became a regular after that and slowly became part of our family.
Even after Vivian and Jerry moved away for Virginia then North Carolina and finally Tampa, we remain ed close making yearly visits, especially at holiday time as their three beautiful children grew into young adults . As time passed my relationship with Jerry changed, in a positive way, and I became more of his brother than brother in law. The more you got to know Jerry the more you were and thrilled by his ability to make friends anywhere he went and to make those close to him, feel safe. He loved his family dearly and looked after them with great pride. He was knowledgeable on a great many subjects, and we all got used to turn into him for advice. Before I moved to Florida, he searched all the rentals in the area and rated them by the cars that were parked in the lot. As usual, he was right and I found my first home in Florida. as I became accustomed to Florida living, Jerry would continue to advise me whether it be on buying television set or a car. That was his specialty and I can´t tell you how many times he helped me from making the wrong choice . to say that Jerry was a unique man is an understatement. He left an impression on people no matter where he went. It´s really amazing how many friendships he had. As I became more involved in my life in Tampa working, it was unbelievable how many people I came across that knew Jerry Kirschner. My memories of Jerry will remain strong as I share them with Vivian and Randy and Jeffrey and Jacalyn and his many grandchildren. rest in peace, jerry Kirschner you will not be forgotten .

Karen & Anthony Borrelli

September 5, 2024

I can't even begin to tell you about my Uncle Jerry. He surly was one of a kind. Whenever you needed anything having to do with cars, he was your guy. He helped Anthony & I find our first cars here in Florida and helped some of my friends also. He was always there for me to answer his phone and answer any questions about anything i needed help with. My best memories are of all of us on the boat each 4th of July, drinking cocktails and watching the fireworks. Also there wasn't a birthday or holiday that he and Aunt Viv weren't present. I always made sure they were invited, not because we were related, but because we really loved spending time with him. He will truly he missed. I am thankful he is no longer in pain and no longer worried, may he be peaceful and blessed until we meet again. I love you Uncle Jerry!

Kim Carlton

September 2, 2024

Pops,

You touched more lives than you could possibly imagine. I know this, because you certainly touched mine all those years ago, when Jacalyn and I became friends, and I practically moved in and never left. You treated me as one of your own from the very first day I met you and I love you like a second father. You were the one I turned to for advice on cars of course. The one thing I remember you telling me, which I still do, is to put a red bow in the glove box of each newly purchased car. You said it would bring good luck. I don´t know if it brought me good luck, but regardless, you said to do it and who am I to question. You and I shared many talks... and maybe some secrets too. You always had a smile on your face and knew how to make others laugh. You never missed an opportunity to ask about Alex and how he was doing. You loved all your grandkids, near or far, biological or not. I don´t recall ever hearing a cross word come out of your mouth... even when Jac and I would come home late at night, likely having been up to something we should not have... you knew, but you just looked at us, smiled coyly, and never said a word. Those are some of my best and favorite memories. Pops, even in 100+ degree weather in the middle of a hundred-year heatwave in Texas, you were still dressed to the nines as we toured the city in the sweltering heat, you with your dress pants, dress shirt and loafers. How you did it I will never know. You are greatly missed, and things will never be the same without you here, but I take great comfort in knowing I will see you again. Save me a seat... we will catch up when I get there! Love you Pops!

Dr Jeff Kirschner

August 29, 2024

My dad was " the guy" if you needed something related to the automotive industry........He knew "a guy" ! But beyond his abilities to sell ice to an Eskimo he was a "family guy" above all else. He was always looking his Sunday best and the first person I ever saw with crisp starched creased jeans. He had many talents from driving and fixing school buses to coaching football and always finding a reason to go get something from the store ! Didn´t matter what store he just liked being out and about knowing what was going on in his neighborhood and knowing how his neighbors and friends were doing. His grandkids and family affectionately called him
Pops. He suffers and fears no more for he is at peace with the world and his family. He will be missed by the many lives he touched and many blessings he bestowed
Rest in peace Dad. Amen

Diane Melick

August 29, 2024

Hello,
I became very lucky to have such great neighbors when I moved into the Heather Glen Community.
I got to know Jerry as the guy who had the blue truck and was always outside smoking a cigarette with the cutest little dog named Luna. My dog, Magnolia wanted to eat Luna as a snack. When Jerry would see Magnolia and I coming, he would call Luna and walk up his driveway so my dog and I could pass without any issues. Even though my dog would sometimes act a little crazy, Jerry would always say hello and ask how my day was going. Sometimes we would talk a little more, depending on Magnolia´s behavior. As time went on and Magnolia adjusted more, our conversations got longer. Jerry was always coming and going and he would tell me how he would go start the bus for his daughter, Jacalyn´s business and do odds and ends ---that is how Jerry put it. He and Vivian would help out with getting the Grand kids (Ashtyn and Austin) to their before and after school activities so Jacalyn and Jamie could run their successful businesses.
Jerry and Vivian had gotten Luna (their perfect rescue dog) and they learned that I was a volunteer at the pet shelter and that is where I got my Diva, obviously, I have a love for dogs. I think Luna is the link that brought me into the family and I became more than just a neighbor. Vivian and Jerry would stress over the little one not eating or they were not sure how to get her to take her medicine so Jerry would mention it to me I would go over with my trusty apron full of treats and get Luna to eat and take her meds. It became a routine and I would ask them if my "Little one" was eating and when it was medicine time again, Vivian would say that she needed help. As time went on, I would start going over in the evenings and check on Luna. I would bring some kind of goodies for Jerry, Vivian and myself to try. For anyone that knew Jerry, he was like a kid in the candy store and lived on sugar. The man would buy Frosted Flakes and still add sugar to them. He would always have candy, cookies, or devil dogs at all times and even if he had a stash and Winn Dixie had them on BOGO, he would buy more.
As time went on, I would tell my family and friends that I had neighbors that became my adopted parents. I had a huge advantage, not only did I not have to follow any rules, but I could tell Jerry and Vivian when they were not playing nice or when they were not being open to things that their grown kids were suggesting. I had to remind them both, that these were suggestions and wishes to help make their lives easier and they really were an expression of love from their kids/family.
The last couple of years had not been easy for anyone in the family. It started with Vivan and her hospitalization. It was a very scary time and if you did not know it, Jerry had a very severe case of "White Coat Syndrome". When Vivian was in the hospital and rehab facilities, Jerry struggled to come to terms that his wife was sick and it hurt him so much that I saw a totally different side of him. This New Yorker (tough guy) was actually a very emotional, compassionate and caring human being. He wanted nothing more than to put himself in Vivan´s place because he honestly could not stand seeing her in the hospital. Jerry and I would sit outside and talk after he came home from visiting Vivian. He absolutely adored this woman and said if it was not for her, he did not know where he would have ended up. He cried so much, and I was so worried about him. I kept praying that Vivian would come home and be on the road to recovery. Jerry told me that it was not supposed to be this way and he said, he was supposed to go first. He questioned God and said why Vivian, it should be me.
Now---- just some items that I learned from Jerry over the 5 years that I was blessed and privileged to have known him.
Jerry told me that he was a blessed man to have Vivian as his wife. Jerry adored Vivian and said she was a Saint for putting up with him. He got a real charge out of teasing Viv and knew exactly how to "push her buttons". He did it on purpose and it was cute to watch. Vivian would sometimes get so flustered, but they would always end up laughing about it. Jerry did not like confrontation, so he knew when he went too far, and backed down quickly and apologize. He really was a big kid at heart.
Jerry talked about his family all the time. He told me things and expressed how proud he was of his kids and Grandkids. He went through each one of his kids and told me how he felt and said if his time were to come, he would be at peace. This is what he said about each one --
Randy - You must have been the "Golden Boy" - he said you were in a good place and he said you were happy so he was good with where you were in life. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Sue, but Jerry said, she made you happy so that made him happy. He never mentioned any trouble with Randy´s upbringing. You were the behaved one. Well, your brother on the other hand---lol
Jeff - You were a rebel and knew how to find trouble. He told me that Vivian had to crack down on you, and he was so grateful for that. Jerry said it is funny how things turn around and you turned out pretty darn good. A very successful and talented Chiropractor with a nice girl(Chrissy) that made you happy. He was proud that you served our country too. One of the last times I went over to the house, you had just moved to your new office and he was in awe over the number of patients you saw each day. He kept looking at me and saying ---I just don´t know how he does it ----can you imagine?
Jacalyn - You were Daddy´s Little Girl and he was very proud of you. He said that Jacalyn had a lot of her Mom´s determination and drive. He said that Jacalyn could do anything and succeed. I have to agree. Jacalyn had the magic touch with Jerry as he was going through his health issues. Vivian would tell him what he should be eating or drinking and Jerry would just do his normal thing. Jacalyn could come in and the next thing you knew, Jerry was drinking that protein shake that Vivian said he needed. Jacalyn knew how to improvise and make those protein shakes taste like a milk shake.
Jerry said he did not have to worry about Jacalyn and the kids because Jamie was a good man, husband and father. Jerry was always fascinated by Jamie and how he was able to keep up with the newest techniques for the dental implants. Jerry would say I don´t know how he does all that but he really knows his stuff, hell he said, how in the world do you make implants go sideways and work and who knew you could snap teeth in and out ..lol...
Ashtyn and Austin --- as far as Pops, he enjoyed his time with running you to practices and activities. It gave him an excuse to have a milkshake before dinner ( Austin ----it was always you, who wanted one, when we all know it was Pops).
Ashtyn-Pops was always amazed by your dedication and hard work that you put into your swimming. He told me that he wouldn´t be getting into a pool at 5am in the morning, no way ...lol
In closing, I just want to say that Jerry taught me how to play the slot machines, how to blow out my AC line with a shop vac, how to tell someone off with a smile and a Thank you. He showed me some greasy spoons that I never knew existed in Tampa, and quite honestly, I don´t know how he found some of these places. I also learned that he was the one I would take if I needed to negotiate price when making a purchase. He knew exactly how to paly the game and he would get the best deal. He could walk away and
More importantly, he showed me how to love and not be afraid to express your emotions.
I am sad because I only had him in my life for 5 years and at the same time so very grateful to have had an "Adopted Father" and friend. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the family.
Jerry---two final items --Luna has suckered some of us in and don´t worry, your little snack buddy still manages to get those crumbs that happen to fall to the floor, just like her Pops did as he left a trail for her.
Just a request ----Make sure you send me the winning lottery jackpot numbers so I can quit my job and save dogs.
I will forever be grateful for all I learned from you and all the laughs we had together. I know you are still with all of us in spirit and I see things and think of things---that make me say----that´s Jerry -----you still make me smile ---I will cherish the memories forever.
Jerry-you got your way and you went first. As I promised, Vivian will be looked after. Don´t you worry. She has a very special family that you and she created. She also has her Big Brother, John, and he is always there for her and the entire family. After all, this is what family is all about.
I am not saying good bye.
Until we meet again.
Love you,
Diane

Diane Melick

August 29, 2024

Well, my world changed yesterday and Heaven has gained another angel. Gerald Kirschner gained his wings after fighting a growing list of health issues. I was very fortunate to have met both Jerry and his wife, Vivian Kirschner when I moved to the Northdale area of Tampa.

As time went on, I got to know both Jerry and Vivian and I told people that they were my adopted parents. Not only did Jerry and Vivian treat me as family, but their daughter and sons treat me as family too.

Jerry was a real character. He was from New York which explains why we connected so easily. Jerry would tell you like it was and if you didn't like it...tough. Northeners tend not to sugarcoat stuff. I remember he had an electrical problem and an electrician came out and wanted to replace more than what was needed, to fix the problem. After the electrician told him the price, Jerry said, get the hell outta here , you gotta be crazy if you think I am paying that price. Have a nice day. Jerry got his cousin over and he fixed the problem for a 10th of what the electrician wanted to charge him.
After that, I said, wow, if I ever have to negotiate a price, I am taking him with me. Over time, I enjoyed spending time with both Jerry and Vivian and we would have lots of laughs together. Jerry was a big kid who loved to push Vivian's buttons and drive her crazy. He would intentionally do things to get her riled up. Jerry would go to the grocery store everyday and buy stuff, just because. He ate more sugar than anyone I have met in my lifetime. You better believe, every time Jerry was in the kitchen or had food, Luna was right by him, because she knew Pops would share with her. Jerry loved going to the casino to play the penny slots and bet $0.30 cents a spin with the hopes he would hit the jackpot. The only man I knew that could stay on the same machine for hours. Never really won big but it was a good day if he walked out even. He was happy and ready to go back again very soon.As time went on and he was not getting out as much, I would get a random text from him to play a lottery number for him. Jerry was a sharp dresser and had quite a collection of baseball caps.

Jerry adored his wife and loved his family. He was so proud of what his kids and grandkids have accomplished. He would light up when talking about his family.

I am so blessed to have gotten to know Jerry and become part of his family. I will cherish all the memories. We will watch Vivian and Luna and make sure they are okay. No one was prepared for your departure but you are in a much better place. Until we meet again

Sending prayers and love to the entire family.

Phyllis Greytak

August 29, 2024

My best memories of Jerry is of course him being married to my cousin Vivian, them coming to our house in the summer when we lived on the water. going out on the boat Jerry enjoyed it a lot. We all enjoyed having a few drinks and spending hours talking and laughing and playing games.
I also have great memories of going to each other´s homes and playing board games and cards. I don´t know what else to say about my cousin Jerry. Other than I am at such a loss for not having him here anymore. I love him dearly and he will be missed by me and so many others.

Robert Greytak

August 29, 2024

I don´t know where to begin on how Uncle Jerry was. Because he was more things to more people than most, I know. Even though I knew him as my Uncle Jerry, he was known too many people in other ways. But all those people he encountered were better enriched in their lives for knowing him.
My Best memories of my uncle are when he tried to get me a car to buy, he´s the best definitely will get the best price and if not, we will be walking out of there. He was always the first person I would call When I needed a car or anything to do with the car. Also anytime, of course I went to the hard rock casino. I saw him a couple times. He loves it. He loved To play the slots, I enjoy going as well. I liked having that in common with him.
I will say, I will miss him tremendously, and he will live on in my heart, and all the hearts he touched.

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