Jerry Freeman Obituary

It's 2025. I found this pretty late but still sad to know of this man's passing. I grew up listening to this man's name on almost a daily basis. I was just a 4-year-old boy when I moved to our house on The corner of California Avenue and Fargo, near to Howard Street. I was born late in my family. My was much older. He got a job at Gulliver's which Jerry owned. My brother thought Jerry was really "cool" he even knew that he had been a boxer. He always talked about Jerry. Jerry employed him throughout his high school years and remained there until he finished college. I believe he was employed seven years. My brother passed away in 2017. I remember the name Ira as well. My brother said he was Jerry's right hand man. In the Pac-Man days as I was getting older Jerry would always park a beautiful white El Dorado across the street from his restaurant in the convenience store where I put a lot of quarters playing Pac-Man. It all seems like yesterday. Rest in peace Jerry from Dan Basil's brother John

After 14 years of not having Jerry around I still miss him. I still think of him often and the great times I had with Jerry and his counterpart Alan. Fishing, Antiquing, Dining, Smoking cigars, and always a good conversation. He was a great friend, a generous person, and a true friend.
R.I.P. Jerry.
We will all see you soon.
Joe Partipilo

At Gulliver's today we were saddened to hear that Jerry had died. We've enjoyed his beautiful place at least a hundred times over the years. Though our visits aren't as often since we moved to Libertyville, we still stop in as often as we can. The pizza (of course) and the cottage fries (ecstasy) were staples, regardless of whatever else we ordered. Jerry was always the perfect host. We enjoyed watching him work the room, his square shoulders in the colorful sweaters, making sure everything was perfect. Our condolences to his family.

Cubs Game Day wasn't complete without a stop on the way home at Gulliver's....but its not the same without Jerry. Jerry, pull some strings up there for our Cubs.

I was very sad to read of Jerry's passing. Gulliver's pizza is the standard by which my family & I judge all other Chicago style pan pizzas. While others are quite good, they just don't hold a candle to Gulliver's. I started coming to the restaurant in the late '60's and we started taking our children when they were in infant seats. Now my granddaughter is also a huge fan.

Jerry was a very interesting person, especially when he would conduct tours of his antiques. His enthusaism was contagious. But most importantly, he never once cringed when my boys came to dine, which had I been the owner of those antiques, I would have been a wreck -- truly a class act.

I look forward to my next Gulliver's pizza, and will bow my head in a moment of respect for a the man responsible for a great Chicago institution.

R.I.P.

Dear Freeman Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. We have been married for 36 years and have spent so many wonderful times at Gulliver's. The man and his restaurant were warm, charming and inviting. He was such a kind, gentle man...we wish your family solace in knowing how highly people thought of him. Our heartfelt condolences.

I am so sorry to hear about Jerry's death. Although I didn't know him well, he was a cousin of mine. I used to live in Chicago before I was married. My maiden name Wachovsky. My mother is Shirlee.

We learned of Jerry's passing from my mom who is a cousin. I have fond memories of the best pizza at Gulliver's.

Please accept our condolences.

Cousins Shelly (formerly Wachovsky) & Steve Eisenberg

Nancy-
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry was always such a warm and vibrant person, I will never forget Gullivers and my years working there. He will certainly live on in our hearts and memories.

Dear Nancy and family,
I learned just today of Jerry's passing and I am extremely saddened by this. I keep replaying in my head the many memories I have of Jerry, so happy to be at the place he loved the most, doing what he enjoyed. His joy made others happy. He will not be forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers are with you,

I discovered Gullivers in 1967 and have been a guest there many times over these past almost 40 years. Seeing Jerry there walking around was something I will miss very much. Even now living in AZ I make sure I stop by when I visit family to taste the best pizza in the world. I wish his family the very best.

Dear Nancy and family,

Ever since I discovered Gullivers as a Northwestern freshman, 36 years ago, I've always felt so very much at home there. For many years, it's been our regular Saturday night "place," and that will not change. Jerry's heart, soul, and spirit live on in every splinter of wood and every shard of glass at Gullivers...and in each and every one of us.

I agree with everything said about the great food, Chicago's tastiest pizza, and the amazing antique furnishings. But Jerry, Jerry, Jerry...we're going to miss you so much. You were the one who made it all happen--a genius and a dear, kind soul who always made us feel like family. No matter how bad a week I was having, when I walked into Gullivers and saw Jerry, I knew everything was right with the world. I just can't put a value on that, nor can I ever replace it.

Nancy, we can't begin to share your family's great loss, but please be strong. Take solace in knowing that Jerry meant the world to so many of us whose lives he touched. We're all better people for having known him.

Alice and Steve Rudolph

Very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing.We both have fond memories of working for him at Gullivers in the early 70's

My deepest condolences to the Freeman family. I worked for Jerry as a delivery driver in 1965. I will miss him and his "colorful" sweaters :)

Dear Nancy, I was so saddened to hear about this very bad news. All of us at Hobbit travel loved jerry and you. please accept our sincere thoughts of love and concern for jerry and your family. If there is ever anything which I can do for you please ask I would be thrilled to help. With all love and warmth, Paul Grosso and the staff at Hobbit Travel

Dear Nancy & Family:
Our family has know your family for 40 years. My father, Richard J. Hillebrand, Sr., owned Hillstrom Moving & Storage Co., Inc., and we were located a few feet from Gulliver's Restaurant, which we have treasured for 40 years as well. My husband Chris and I have been frequenting the restaurant on a weekly basis. We were there last week and I asked to talk to Jerry (as I usually do) and the waitress told me the bad news. I was devastated. We are sorry and hope that his legacy goes on for another 40 years! The wait staff at Gulliver's is excellent and they cared for him too. His Legacy will live on for many years and we know you have many good memories of him as we do. Blessing from Heaven

Dear Nanster,
Gulliver's will not be the same without Jerry. We will miss him very much. For the short time that I have been gone you both have been in my thoughts everyday. My prayers are with you and Jerry, may he rest in peace and may god give you strength. You are the strongest woman I know and have taught me to be the same. You know I will always be there for you, babe. WE LOVE YOU!
Take care,
LeeAnn

Dear Nancy & family,
Our neighbor, Barb H., told us the sad news. I can't believe it. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss.

As a second cousin, I grew up going to visit Jerry at the restaurant. My parents Ellie (Freeman) and Jerry Joseph join me in expressing our sympathy. He will be missed!

Nancy and family

sorry about your loss. I didnt find out about Jerry's passing till Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ashley Sprenger

Nancy and family,

We were very saddened to learn the news of Jerry's passing. For over 35 years, Gulliver's has been more than "just a restaurant" to us, as it will continue to be. We've had so many family events there, such as our children's graduation parties and wedding rehearsal dinners. We know the memory of Jerry's life will soon overtake the sorrow of his passing, and wanted you to know our thoughts are with you.

Dear Freeman Family,
We are so sad to hear about Jerry. He was such a kind, lovely, gracious man, always greeting us with a smile and a cheery word every time we visited Gulliver's (our favorite restaurant). We will miss him. Our deepest sympathies go out to you.

Freeman Family, I was deeply sorry to hear about your loss of Jerry. I have been a customer for over 35yrs and have always enjoyed the warm and friendly atmosphere. It seemed that no matter what time of day I was there, Jerry was always there to greet me. He will be missed. My prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you.

Dear Nancy,I was shocked to hear of Jerry's passing. He never looked a day over 50 and was the true anchor of the north side. Working for him was a pleasure for many years and I feel a deep loss here. Jerry was the kind of guy you always thought would live forever, I mean, it just doesn't seem possible that he won't be there to great you at the door of Gullivers anymore. You guys hold a very special place in my heart and my deepest sympathies go out to the whole family. Hang in there Nancy, please know how much love we all have for you.

Dear Freeman Family:
My sincerest thoughts to all of you. I've been a regular customer of Gullivers since 1966. I'm still driving 25 miles just for an omlette -- the best in the City -- and I have fond memories of the 1960s during my high school hang outs at Gullivers on Friday and Saturday nights. Jerry was always a pleasure to visit with all these years. I'm sure he will be missed by family, friends and long time customers like myself.
Andrea Brim

Dear Nancy and family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jerry was a very kind man and an amazing business owner. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

sad to hear this, he was such a gentle icon. i'll miss seeing jerry every time i came in to pick up the best pizza in Chicago.

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing he was a great man.

Dear Freeman Family,
What a special person Jerry was. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies to Nancy, the Freeman Family and the entire Gulliver's Family. Fondly.. Joanne, Jessica, Steven & Mitch Kushner.

Dear Nancy,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Jerry Has been a friend to me since I started in the antique business some 30 years ago. He will be deeply missed.

Dear Nancy & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We will always remember Jerry as a very dedicated, kind and fair man. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Chris & Janice Knight

dear nancy
Howie and I were sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I remember the old days with you jerry and my dad on broadway. We all thought so much of jerry and enjoyed the times we all spent together. Take care of yourself and our prayers will go out for you and jerry's family
Bruce Kodner lake worth Florida

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Nancy,
Mitchell and I were very sorry to hear of Jerry,s passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Mitchell and Barbara Stein

Nancy, Beth and family, it was a privelge and pleasure to tend to such a great man if even for a short period. Bless all of you in your time of sorrow, Carm RN

Beth, the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stroger Hospital wants you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Dear Nancy and Family--so sorry to hear of this devastating loss...he meant so much to so many. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all...Beth, Marc and Lucy McCormack

Lidia and I were both saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry. We will have Jerry in our thoughts. Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Nancy,
Eventhough it's been years since I've seen you guys, I'll always have fond memories of Jerry. He was a part of my family growing up.. truly the extra "uncle" in the family! Every Passover, he was with us when I was a kid. The thing I remember most is how I wanted a crystal disco ball for my 8th grade graduation party.. guess who found one for me!! Although Jerry left this world way too young, he'll always be here in our memories.

Dear Nancy and family,
We would like to express our deepest sympathies at this time of your loss. Jerry will always be remembered fondly. We hope you will be able to carry on the great tradition of Gulliver's Restaurant.
Michael and Masha Ferrara

Nancy, Our condolences to you and your family on Jerry's passing. He touched many lives. He helped make wonderful memories for so many people. Jerry will be missed.
Marcie and Rob Reichstein

We are so saddened to learn of Jerry's death. Len worked with him for many years and always had good stories to tell. Jerry's place was the best in town for pizza and we always celebrated special family events there. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Nancy and Family. We are all so sorry and sad for your loss. Jerry was a great and generous friend to so many. Always such a happy guy and his laugh was contagious. A sad day for all who knew him. We will miss him. God Bless Jerry!!!!

We were very sorry to learn of Jerry's death. We will always have fond memories of him and the wonderful meals we had. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, and our prayers are with you at this time.
The Shapiro (late Lester) family

Nancy and Family, I have always had the best thoughts and memories of Jerry. I feel I have lost a family member. He was the kindest and most thoughtful employer I have ever known.

We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry. As friends of Earl and Edythe, we had the pleasure of being with you on various occasions. Our deepest condolenses to you and your family.

Mary and I have Jerry and his family in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed but always remembered. And, I have faith that Jerry will finally get a chance to meet my father, and as Randy and I often do, they will share good conversation, and a drink...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dear Nancy,

I learned from Sherri last night. I'm so sad to hear about Jerry. We will miss him very much.

Please know that our thoughts are with you.

Naomi, Sherri, and Ben

Dear Nancy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Even though I hadn't seen him in years, he is someone I will never forget! He always lived life with such style! I will never forget the time he asked me to do the "nose job" on the statue out front of the restaurant! He told me I should become a plastic surgeon.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.