Gerald L. Spilman

Gerald “Jerry” Spilman, 85 of Twinsburg, Oh, passed away on November 28, 2024

Jerry was born April 25, 1939 to Hyman and Bessie Spilman (of blessed memory). He met his future wife while in middle school in Cleveland Heights, on Desota Avenue where they both lived. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High before his beloved wife, Sandra (nee Lessem, of blessed memory), with whom he shared 54 years of marriage and many adventures. While studying at Kent State University, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably.

Jerry was a proud, lifelong Clevelander who cherished his time with his children,grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but nothing was more important to him than the time spent with his best friend and soulmate, Sandra.

Jerry was a natural-born salesman who loved to meet people and help them with their purchases. He spent many years representing industries including automotive and furniture. He was an avid aquarium hobbyist, fascinated by the types and variety of species. An active member of Congregation Brith Emeth, he enjoyed bowling with the Men’s Club and especially loved working the bingo games.

He and Sandra enjoyed travel, and he was an enthusiastic and vocal fan of all the Cleveland sports teams. In later years, they became snowbirds, summering in Cleveland and wintering in Lake Worth, FL, where they met many new friends and took up new activities.

Jerry is survived by his children Cheryl Spilman, Steve (Lauren) Spilman, and Laura (Gary) Schwartz. Jerry was the devoted and loving grandfather of Josh (Jaz) Spilman, Alana Spilman, Max Spilman, Jessica (Elchanan) Tallo and Danny Schwartz, the proud great-grandfather of Riley and Rory Spilman and Sara Tallo. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Neil Spilman, of Gilbert, Arizona.

Services will be held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel 1985 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Hts., Tuesday December 3, 2024 at 11AM followed by Interment Hillcrest Cemetery, 26700 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights. The family will receive friends at Beechmont Country Club, 29600 Chagrin Blvd., Orange Village following the burial until 5:30pm and 7pm-8:30pm on Tuesday. Laura Schwartz and Cheryl Spilman will receive friends, Wednesday 4pm-8pm, Eliza at the Chagrin Falls 16695 Chillicothe Rd. Chagrin Falls.

Friends who wish, may contribute to The Cleveland Clinic in memory of Jerry. Gifts made to Cleveland Clinic in loving memory of Jerry will help advance care and research at the Heart and Vascular Institute and support vital efforts in the fight against kidney disease. https://give.ccf.org/JerrySpilman

Friends who are unable to attend the service, may view it on Tuesday, December 3 at 11:00am by going to BKBMC.COM scroll down to obituaries, select the obituary of Gerald Spilman, click on his obituary, scroll down to join live stream, click on join live stream