I became friends with Jerry in the late 80s. We worked together at Naval Research Labs and applied to grad schools at the same time.  I’d tried a few times to reconnect over the years, but we’d lost touch.   With more quiet during the pandemic,  I decided to  reached out to some amazing and soulful friends with whom I’d lost touch.  Sadly, my search for Jerry  brought me to the news of his passing.  Jerry and I shared a love for music, especially blues.  We saw Tom Waits together and went to blues festivals in DC.  He was soulful, hilarious and kind.  I’m listening to Memphis Minnie thinking how I’m grateful our paths crossed.  I want his wife and his family to know that  they have my deepest sympathy.  

I remember Jerry’s kindness and his calm demeanor  from 40 years ago . I had an enormous crush on him as a freshmen in high school ( he was a junior, and so handsome  ) I was so goofy and ridiculous and I would sit next to him on the Ireton bus  on the way to cross county meets  or ambush him after school  at the Ireton store  ( where he could not escape )  and chat his ear off . He would always listen to my  insane rambling and make me laugh with his dry sense of humor and superior wit . He was a wonderful person and I am sorry for your family’s tremendous loss . 

I knew Jerry in college.  Jerry was a sweet guy.   I can't remember him ever getting angry.  The most I can remember was Jerry shaking his head ruefully in commiseration with another's anger or disappointment about a grade.

I also remember Jerry's dry (very dry) sense of humor and his love of music.  Jerry loved Jazz, Blues and their relationship to each other and Gospel.  His eyes lit up and he brought the histories and personalities to life when he talked about them.  He helped shape a lot of my current music tastes.  Maybe it's not too late to also pattern some of Jerry's equanimity.  

My condolences to Ilyse and all members of the family and to the friends who were with him toward the end of his time on earth.  May memories, love and faith bring you peace.

My condolences to the family. I was lucky enough to attend high school and college with Jerry where I knew him as a truly genuine and nice person. In high school, he ran cross-country and worked for Fr. Godley in the school bookstore. In college, I saw him often and lived with him in a group house for the last two years. We all had fun, but we were not wild college kids. We just loved to hang out, listen to records, watch the Flintstones and tell stories. We sometimes would go to music shows or drop in at ‘the Pav’ for $1 green bottle beers and live music on Mondays. We would always try to go whenever one of our professor’s Jazz bands played. Jerry loved the Blues and other types of roots music, which is very fitting because this music is so authentic, just like Jerry. Although I have not seen Jerry in many years, I will miss him and I am grateful for the time I spent with him.  I have to think that when someone as bright as Jerry is best remembered as just being a nice person, then we have found someone special.  Rest in peace, my friend.

Jerry's passing has a left a huge whole in our family. He was the youngest and perhaps the quietest of the bunch. He was always willing to go along with whatever we had planned without complaining. We have many memories of summers at the beach, travels to Chicago, and our infamous family skiing trip to Innsbruck.  He was the go to person, to shop for wine at our holidays.  As many of his friends and co-workers have shared, Jerry was truly a nice guy and very easy-going which is an apt description. To us, he was the best of our family. 

I am so sorry for this loss endured by Ilyse, Jerry's family,  his friends, and his colleagues. I remember first meeting Jerry in Ann Arbor, in the early 90s, when he and my cousin Ilyse started dating. It was obvious immediately that he was very kind and brilliant.  I also remember Jerry and Ilyse's wedding well - what a happy day.  Although too few, I know Ilyse and Jerry had many wonderful years together. Jerry made the world a better place. 

So sorry for your profound loss. Wishing peace for Ilyse and all of his siblings. Jerry was a delightful person.   Brilliant PhD scientist, wonderful friend. 26 years of happy marriage to Ilyse. Jerry had a popular blues music show on his college radio station (WTJU) and was  a big fan of music. Always up for an adventure, Jerry  spent the  summer after college in Alaska cleaning fish and living in a tent on "the bluff."  His cheerful, easy-going  demeanor was always present. He and Ilyse traveled on many amazing adventures together .  Tom and Jerry (first year college roommates) started going to music festivals all over the US and Canada once they turned fifty. Many fond memories, we are grateful to have known him.

OBITUARIO

Jeremiah Thomas Patrick Pender

7 febrero, 1963 – 1 enero, 2020

Demaine Funeral Home

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