Herbert Fred Rothschild

Herbert “Herb” Fred Rothschild, 91, of Isle of Palms, SC, husband of Bobbie Gail Brown Rothschild, entered eternal rest Friday, May 26, 2023.

  
Herb came to Greenville, SC at a very early age from Heidelberg, Germany where he was born on March 12, 1932. His father and uncles owned department stores all over southern Germany.  After the war, Herb was instrumental in recovering the family’s business.

He graduated from Greenville High School in 1950 and graduated from The Citadel in 1954 where he served as Regimental Commander and First Honor Graduate (Valedictorian) of his class.  He graduated as one of the most decorated cadets of all time, per an editorial in The Charleston Evening Post August 9, 1954.

After graduating from The Citadel, Herb married Bobbie Gail Brown of Blackville, SC on March 19, 1955. Immediately after their wedding, Herb was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant and served in the US Army in a recovering Germany. This kicked off an incredible 68 years of marriage.  

Following his military service, Herb and Bobbie lived in Los Angeles, CA, Portland, OR, and Stamford, CT, eventually settling in Highland Park, IL.  Herb joined a New York Stock Exchange listed firm in the Chicago area where he spent 22 years. At the age of 35 he was named International President and traveled the world, forming meaningful relationships with heads of many international companies. 

After his corporate career, at age 43 he created the H.F. Rothschild Company, which specialized in international corporate real estate services. He employed his worldwide relationships, enabling him to conduct business with many major European, Japanese, Canadian and Australian companies in the U.S. 

Herb was president of the German American Chamber of Commerce (Midwest) for 14 years and served as director of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.  For his services to the Federal Republic of Germany, he was awarded by the president of Germany the highest award given to a civilian - the Officers’ Cross of the Medal of Merit of Germany. Herb was appointed by the Governor of Illinois as Chairman of the Illinois Economic Board - he held this pro bono position for 6 years. The State of Illinois Governor and Legislators recognized his contribution with a special proclamation in his honor. Herb served on the Highland Park Police and Fire Department Pension Fund Board.

After 24 years in real estate development and brokerage business, Herb retired and moved permanently back to his home on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.  Herb was a lifetime member of The Citadel Alumni Association, The French Huguenot Church and a former member of The German Friendly Society, The Arion Society, Washington Light Infantry, The Palmetto Guards, Fort Sumter Sons of the Confederate Veterans, and Deutscher Bruderlich Bund of Charleston.  He was past board of advisors to The Citadel Business School, past president of The Citadel Regimental Commanders’ Association, and mentor to The Citadel Mentors organization. 

Herb was very proud of his family and heritage. As a father and grandfather, he was tough but fair - insisted his sons be in sports and do their best at everything.  He was loving and unapologetic about showing his emotions - tears, hugs and kisses were natural. He was positive but realistic.  He commanded respect with his intelligence, listening skills and genuine interest in whoever he was interacting. He wanted the best for everyone, but also for everyone to be their best.  His self-discipline dominated his life with daily exercise and only healthy eating. He was focused on business and personal success and leaving a legacy for his spouse, children, and grandchildren - and inspiring all these attributes to those around him. He loved and cherished his and Bobbie’s friends as well as his sons’ friends. His business associates became close friends for life. When he travelled the world for business, he insisted on learning the culture, food, and history. One way he achieved this was walking the city every morning. 

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas C. Rothschild (Kathy) of Tampa FL, Stephen T. Rothschild (Sallie) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Craig Rothschild (Josie) and Elizabeth Rothschild of Tampa, FL, Dixon Rothschild and Jackson Rothschild of Atlanta, GA; brother, Alfred Rothschild of San Marino, CA and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased parents Ludwig Rothschild and Hilde Strauss Rothschild of Greenville, SC and brother, Gerard Rothschild of Boone, NC, and sisters-in-law Harriet Rothschild of San Marino, CA and Judith Rothschild of Boone, NC.  A special thanks to caregivers turned family, Barbara Jenkins and Tracy Moore for their unwavering love and commitment. Dixie, a beloved and faithful dog, always looked for a treat from him. Thank you to BeWell Home Services and Roper Hospice nurses.  

Herb’s funeral service will be held at the French Huguenot Church Charleston, South Carolina at 2:00pm on Sunday, June 25 - interment with family only in the Churchyard.  Celebration of Life at The Citadel Swain Boat House on the campus of The Citadel immediately following the service until 5:00pm.

Memorials may be made to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie, St, Charleston SC 29409 or The French Huguenot Church, PO Drawer 917, Charleston SC 29402. Please no flowers.