Gerald Oscar

OSCAR--Gerald M., "Jerry" (June 22, 1929 - February 3, 2025). Beloved husband of Ursula "Sue." He is also survived by his son Daniel (Amy Mayer), daughter Stephanie (William "Bill" Kelchner), grandchildren Gabriel, Julia, Nathan and Nicole, and Bill's children Hayes, Natalie and Harry. Jerry graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and then, after serving in the Coast Guard, had a legal career with the law firm Dewey, Ballantine, Bushby, Palmer and Wood and later with the New York Telephone Company and NYNEX, the predecessors of Verizon Communications. After retirement, he enjoyed mentoring students at charter schools founded by his son. An enthusiastic tennis player, Jerry struggled valiantly until his death in an unsuccessful effort to develop an adequate serve. He valued his many years as a homeowner in East Hampton and took especial pride in the deck which he was able to construct in only three years of obsessive weekend activity. His intelligence, wry humor, honesty and strong political views endeared him to many (and agitated some). He will be missed. A gathering will be held at Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home, 352 East 87th Street, New York, NY, on Sunday, February 9, with attendance welcome anytime between noon and 3pm. The family requests that any donation in Jerry's honor be made to WNYC (New York Public Radio).