Gerald G. Powell

Gerald G. “Jerry” Powell, 90, passed away Feb. 8, 2021. Jerry was a man of many beginnings, each time starting with nothing. Jerry’s life was living proof that when your world comes crashing down, you always have a chance to do something new. Ever determined, Jerry did not believe in quitting and giving up.

Acclaimed for his vision and seeing the potential of the Cleveland Flats in 1966, he opened Pickle Bill’s restaurant in the old location of Little Chef Cafeteria, a small chili joint frequented by Cleveland’s blue-collar workers. Powell attracted customers in droves by playing old-time W.C. Field movies, hosting Irish and folk singers such as Sean Moore and Gusti, The Clancy Brothers featuring his good friend Liam Clancy from Ireland, and Tommy Makem. Pickle Bill’s also featured amateur nights, original theater production The All Night Strut, and Second City Comedy from Chicago.

The restaurant was furnished and decorated in Jerry’s quirky, creative style. Peanuts were always free and discarded shells covered the floor. As president of the West 11th Street Flats Association in 1971, Jerry organized numerous street festivals on Old River Road featuring local artists and bands, helped establish the entertainment district, and began the reinvention of the Cleveland Flats as a safe and desirable destination.

Jerry always dreamed of a floating restaurant so in 1975, he towed an old fishing schooner named the Flying Cloud to Pickle Bill’s and docked it on the Cuyahoga. Shortly after, $100,000 of improvements roadblocks from the city, and politics forced Pickle Bill’s to close. In a Cleveland Press article dated May 21, 1977, Jerry offered a parting toast to his loyal customers. He wrote, “Grieve not for me for I have family, friends, health, imagination, and my dreams - I am a very rich man.” For the next three years, he ran the Flying Cloud restaurant in Port Clinton, waited tables at the Red Fox Inn in Gates Mills, and managed the You Are Cabaret Theater in North Royalton.

With borrowed funds, he opened Pickle Bill’s Lobster House in Grand River in 1980. It became best known for its all-you-can-eat crab legs and fish specials. In 1998, a fire destroyed the restaurant, and he opened a temporary location then rebuilt Pickle Bill’s Lobster House bigger and better than ever. After the fire, the Grand River Mayor at the time, Alan DiLiliberto, said in the Plain Dealer, “When you talk to people they might not know where the Grand River is, but you say ‘Pickle Bill’s’ and they know where you were talking about.” Pickle Bill’s Lobster House in the Grand River has served excellent food and entertainment for 41 years. Folks come from miles away for a chance to sit on the Grand River, eat, drink, and watch the traffic on the river. Jerry was part of the community participating in the Lake County Perch Fest, supporting the 4-H Club and employing college students each summer. Jerry loved to travel with his first-mate Marianne. Both had Scottish connections so they set sail to Scotland to get married in 1998. In addition to providing fine food, great service, and atmosphere both have created jobs and opportunities for hundreds of people.

Born in Cleveland, one of six children on March 6, 1930, Jerry attended Shaw High School and graduated from Euclid High School, and worked for the family heating, roofing, and sheet metal business. Jerry served as a U.S. Army Medic during the Korean War.

With a healthy head of white hair and beard, he always had a sailor-like appearance. He enjoyed boating, traveling, playing racquetball, and skiing into his early 80’s. He enjoyed spending time with his caring wife and entertaining many friends at his homes in Palm Beach, Ellicottville, and Mentor. Longtime friend and singer, Alex Bevan said of Jerry, “He knew me from the beginning...he always had my back...he loved music and made a space at his fire with a smile. I loved Jerry like an older brother.” One of Jerry’s favorite folk songs and the mantra of his life was The Mary Ellen Carter, by Stan Rogers:

And you, to whom adversity has dealt the final blow With smiling bastards lying to you everywhere you go Turn to, and put out all your strength of arm and heart and brain

And like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again. https://youtu.be/g7Fwg3mowGU

Jerry is survived by his wife, Marianne Benkowski Powell; children, Stormy Bushnell, Tim Powell, and Jeff Powell; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Hickernell Reulbach, Jeanne Eckhoff, and Kay Marino-Richart; and brothers, William Powell and Whitney Powell.

A warm and special thank you to his loving caregivers, the Visiting Angels, Lake Health and Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of Jerry’s life held at a later date.

Donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://Michaeljfox. org or Grand River Park Committee, P.O. Box 668, Grand River, OH 44045.

Arrangements are entrusted McMahon-Coyneto Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.

To leave condolences for the family or share a memory visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.