Obituary: Jay David Botwinick

Jay David Botwinick, age 66, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 7, 2026.

Born on Sept. 11, 1959, Jay was the son of Jerome and Joan Botwinick of Patchogue, N.Y. He graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School and Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He met his wife, Michelle, during the first week of her freshman year and asked her to marry him on their first date. They would have been married 44 years this month, together from that first date for 47 years.

Jay began his career in financial products and insurance sales. He returned to Georgia State University for post-baccalaureate work in accounting and became a certified public accountant in 1995. Partners in life and work, Jay and Michelle started the CPA firm of Botwinick & Botwinick CPAs. Jay loved meeting people and learning about their lives and businesses. His clients often turned into his friends.

Since high school, Jay loved powerlifting, even building his own gym in his office during COVID. Family vacations weren’t complete unless Jay worked out at a local gym, usually making new friends during his visits.

Though imposing on the outside, Jay was kind and generous. He picked up lost dogs in the rain, stopped to help stranded travelers, and talked for hours with any friends or clients who needed a friendly ear.

Jay was the embodiment of resilience, retaining his strength and love of life through Crohn’s Disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and neuroendocrine (NET) cancer. He truly fought the good fight.

Jay will be remembered by his wife, Michelle; his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Avi and Dr. Anabel Botwinick, his sister, Robin (Gregg) Maynard, and his extended family and friends.

Special thanks to the healthcare workers at Emory Winship, Piedmont Hospital, Parkside at Budd Terrace, Capstone Hospice, and Home Helpers Home Care, who provided medical care, support, and services with grace and dignity.

A graveside funeral took place Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to the Atlanta Humane Society, Chabad Intown, and Minkahz NETs Mission. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999