Gerald Alan Wasserman

Jerry Wasserman, long-time Needham resident and community leader, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 28, 2013, surrounded by friends and family, after a courageous 4-month battle with cancer. Jerry was a musician, politician, educator, consultant, husband, father, brother, and friend to many.

Jerry was born in 1947 and grew up in Mansfield, MA. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and earned his MBA at Columbia Business School in New York. In his early career, Jerry worked as a hospital administrator, college professor, and management consultant.

Jerry married his wife Joan in 1980. Together they moved to Needham, MA in 1982. They had one child, Mike Wasserman, in 1984. Jerry entered local politics as a member of the Needham School Committee in 1990. For nine years he served as a member of the committee, and several times as the chair. In 1999, Jerry successfully ran for Needham’s Board of Selectman and served as a selectman until his passing.

Jerry was also a long-time musician and song-writer. He played with his band, Jerry Wasserman and the Great Experiment. In 2012, he released his first CD of original songs, Wall Street Big Shot. His CD was played by Matty Segel on AM1200 in February 2013 and Jerry was proud to receive a letter from Tom Lehrer, a source of inspiration for Jerry, complimenting him on the CD. Jerry loved attending SAMW, a summer music camp for adults. In his last few weeks he was surrounded by music played by his friends from Needham and SAMW.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joan (Rosenberg) Wasserman of Needham; his son Mike Wasserman & his wife Rachel Paster of Boston; his beloved sister Susan W. Gordon, of Framingham. He is also the brother of Elaine Wasserman & her husband Charles of Boston. Jerry is the dear uncle of Cheryl L. Gordon of Framingham, and Laura Kaplan & husband Josh of Holliston. Jerry is the dear great uncle of Charlie and Jimmy Gordon of Framingham and Amanda and Naomi Kaplan of Holliston. Jerry also leaves behind many dear cousins and a vast network of friends. Services at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham on Sunday March 3, 2013 at 3pm. Memorial observance following the burial until 9pm at Powers Hall in Needham Town Hall and continuing Monday & Tuesday at his late residence from 3-9pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to folk radio www.WUMB.org WUMB Radio, University of MA, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125.