Gerald Dedrick

Jerry Dedrick, was born September 29, 1942, at San Diego General Hospital to Rose Ellen and Edward Dedrick, lived a life defined by kindness, humor, devotion to family, and a lifelong love of sports. The fifth of ten children, Jerry grew up in a busy, lively household that shaped his kind nature and his gift for making people feel welcome.

Raised in National City and Chula Vista, Jerry graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1960. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country honorably for six years. Following his service, he began a 40-year career with Rohr Aircraft, later Goodrich, where his steady work ethic and dedication were appreciated by his fellow employees.

Those who knew Jerry will remember first and foremost his kind demeanor. He had a genuine warmth about him and greeted friends and family with his welcoming nature. Whether you stopped by for a moment or stayed for hours, Jerry made you feel like you truly mattered.

Jerry’s sense of humor was unmistakably his own— offbeat, irreverent, and always ready to bring a smile to your face. He never took himself too seriously and had a gift for making you smile.

Baseball was one of Jerry’s lifelong passions. His mother once joked he could find baseball on TV 24 hours a day. He spent 40 years as a baseball umpire for local high schools and Little League games. In some ways, the game was woven into his identity. He also officiated volleyball games and built countless friendships through sports. For many years, he was a loyal San Diego Padres fan, later surprising everyone by switching his allegiance to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It was at a baseball field that Jerry met the love of his life, Joanie. While she was watching her sons play Little League, she remarked on the umpire’s smile—a comment that made its way to Jerry and led to a beautiful love story. They shared 34 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Joanie Dedrick; his 3 children, Jerri Colette and her husband Chad, Dale Dedrick and his wife Michelle, and D’Arcy Davis; his 2 stepsons, Christopher Mathews and Sean Mathews and his wife Lizz; and his cherished grandchildren: David, Matthew, and Christopher Colette; Alex and Zachary Dedrick; Tyler Dedrick and Riley Davis; Nicholas Grover-Mathews; and Sofia, Sean, and Max Mathews. He is also survived by his siblings Roy, Frank, Jim, Jeanette, Virginia, Mary Ellen, and Rick. He was preceded in death by his sister Rosemary and brother Chuck.

Jerry also enjoyed cribbage games with his father-in-law. He even threatened to return his wife to her dad if he beat him in another game of cribbage. Jerry was known for his frequent trips to local casinos where he always claimed he “broke even.” He loved old time country music – especially George Jones, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and the Highwaymen. His favorite snacks included Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, hamburgers, French fries, Double Stuf Oreos, and strawberry shakes.

Above all, Jerry loved the Lord and accepted Him as his personal savior. He lived with a spirit of generosity, humor, and connection. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace, restored and whole in the presence of the Lord.

Jerry’s presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His kindness, humor, and the way he made people feel will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.