Gerald "Jerry" Wolberg

Jerry was born in the Bronx, NY to the late Sam and Fannie Wolberg, and helped deliver groceries for their family store while growing up. He earned a bachelors degree from New York University, a Masters degree from the University of Kentucky, and a PhD from Tulane University. He married Marilynn (Goldstein) in 1967 and then moved to Raleigh, NC where they raised two daughters: Alisa and Lori. He became the head of Immunology in Experimental Therapy at Burroughs Wellcome, where he studied leukocyte biology and novel drug therapies.

After his retirement, Jerry enjoyed traveling, volunteering for the Interfaith Food Shuttle and in his community. He also enjoyed watching baseball and basketball and somehow reconciled cheering for both UNC and Kentucky. He liked buying odd tools for his daughters at the hardware store, reading the New York Times, and eating Chinese food. He was a kind, shy, and gentle person who loved jokes and could make a whole room laugh with a quiet comment. He supported women in science and education and had tremendous compassion for people. He was devoted to his family and he loved playing with his grandchildren and making photo collages of them on the computer. He said his grandchildren made him feel young. In his last years, a stroke robbed him of the ability to speak, but never of his ability to enjoy visitors, hear people’s stories, or communicate his love for his family.

He is survived by his wife Marilynn of 56 years, daughters Alisa Wolberg (Steve McConnell) and Lori Disclafani, grandchildren Kenzie and Tierney McConnell and Tanner and Parker Disclafani, sister Norma Lazarus, nephews, and a niece.

A funeral service for Jerry was held Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, followed by a graveside service at Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery, 450 N State St, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Interfaith Food Shuttle (https://www.foodshuttle.org).