Obituary of Gerald N. Sonnenblick, Esq.

Gerald N. “Jerry” Sonnenblick, 87 formerly of Manalapan Township, NJ passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Hawthorne Rehabilitation Center in Sarasota, Florida.  Jerry was a proud lifelong resident of Manalapan Township.  He was born in Brooklyn in 1937, where he graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School in 1954 before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business at the young age of 19, he made his home in New Jersey at the age of 23.  He was a member of the Rutgers Law School, Newark Class of 1964, and he founded his own law firm Sonnenblick, Parker & Selvers, P.C. in 1977 in Freehold, NJ.  Jerry was regarded as a preeminent land use and real estate development attorney throughout Monmouth County.  Renowned for his smile, jokes and story telling abilities, he served as Manalapan Township Committeeman from 1969-1971, Manalapan Township Attorney 1978-1984, and Monmouth County Library Commissioner 1984-1999.  Jerry was a member of the Freehold Optimist Club throughout his career. He is survived by his adored wife of 54 years, Arlene; his children, Nicole and her husband, Peter Licata, Patti, Mitchell, and Alan as well as his grandchildren, Ashley and Claire Licata.  Second to his children, Jerry loved his dogs with a passion.  His hobbies included basketball, golf, bridge, poker, blackjack, NY Times crosswords, science fiction novels, and reading multiple newspapers daily from cover to cover.

He was predeceased by his parents Norma and Aaron “Sonny” Sonnenblick, as well as his aunt and uncle Doris and Milton Hoffman. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of his Life at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM with Words of Remembrance to follow at 6:30 PM. For those who cannot attend in person, you may participate HERE. His family will observe Shiva at the Sonnenblick/Licata Residence, 12 Apple Blossom Lane, Manalapan on Saturday, March 8, 2025 and Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. For those that desire, donations in memory of Jerry may be made to the charity of your choice and would be appreciated. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com .