Finbar Gittelman
| Finbar Gittelman | |
 Captain Finbar Gittelman | |
| Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander, Conch Republic Military Forces | |
| — | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | July 10, 1941 Miami Beach, Florida |
| Death: | December 26, 2024 (aged 83) Key West, Florida |
| Military: | United States Coast Guard |
| Occupation: | Mariner, Shipwright, Educator |
| Residence: | Key West, Florida |
| Party: | Libertarian |
| YouTube: | YouTube |
Captain Finbar Gittelman (July 10, 1941–December 26, 2024) was a legendary mariner, humanitarian, and cultural icon of the Florida Keys. Known as the Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy and the First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of the Conch Republic Military Forces, he was the longtime captain and builder of the 74-foot topsail Schooner Wolf.
He was deeply involved in humanitarian missions across the Caribbean, a beloved community leader in Key West, and a passionate educator of traditional sailing methods.
Early Life
Gittelman grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. As a child, he visited Key West to board the ferry to Havana with his family. Those early memories of schooners at the dock left a lasting impression, and by age 26, he had earned his captain’s license after a stint in the United States Coast Guard.
Life in Key West
Gittelman sailed into Key West in 1973 and knew immediately it was home. In 1980, he built the 33-foot sloop *High Tide*, and in 1982, he began building the *Schooner Wolf*, a traditional gaff-rigged topsail schooner patterned after 19th-century blockade runners. The Wolf became a symbol of Key West’s independence and maritime heritage, designated as the official flagship of the Conch Republic and the City of Key West.
The Conch Republic
Captain Gittelman was a central figure in the Conch Republic, an internationally recognized micronation established in 1982. He led its ceremonial navy, the Conch Republic Military Forces, and commanded its annual mock battles against federal “invaders.” His pirate persona and leadership became legendary fixtures of Key West culture, especially during events like the Conch Republic Independence Celebration and Pirates in Paradise.
Humanitarian Missions
After surviving a catastrophic hurricane at sea in 1980, Gittelman dedicated himself to humanitarian service. With his wife Julie McEnroe, he led numerous relief missions aboard the *Wolf*, delivering over 80 tons of aid to islands across the Caribbean and the Bahamas in the aftermath of hurricanes and earthquakes.
Legacy and Honors
Gittelman mentored hundreds of young sailors, instilling in them a love for traditional seafaring. He was celebrated as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Fantasy Fest parade, and April 18 was officially proclaimed "Schooner Wolf Day" by the City of Key West in recognition of his contributions to education, culture, and disaster relief.
Personal Life
Gittelman was married to Julie McEnroe, his partner in life and in many of his endeavors, for over 30 years. He had three sons — David Gittelman, Craig Gittelman, and David Grinberg — all of whom sail, as do their sons. Julie described him as a gentle soul, a peaceful warrior, and a devoted family man.
In Film
His life and final return voyage to Cuba were chronicled in the 2018 documentary *The Old Man and the Sea: Return to Cuba* by Matt Dean Films.
Passing and Memorial
Captain Gittelman passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at the age of 82. A “Crossing the Bar” memorial was held on April 23, 2025, during the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. Proceeds from the memorial supported the Schooner Wolf Restoration Fund, preserving his iconic vessel and legacy for future generations.