Fr. Jerry Leo McCormick

Fr. Gerald “Jerry” McCormick of Pacific Grove, CA, passed peacefully into eternal rest on the evening of Friday, July 18, 2025, at the age of 86.

Fr. Jerry, the fourth of five children, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 3, 1939, to John and Mary (Devine) McCormick. A sweet, kind, and faith-filled child from the start, Jerry was known to organize Good Friday prayer services in the living room, assigning parts to his three older brothers, younger sister, and even his mom. His calling to serve God was evident early, and it was no surprise to his family when he pursued the priesthood.

His childhood bedroom walls were covered with images of saints and—naturally—dogs. That deep love for animals would stay with him all his life. Fr. Jerry often said, “Dog is God spelled backwards,” and his dogs were not just companions—they were part of his ministry. Parishioners will fondly remember his dogs quietly processing to the altar with him for Mass and resting beside him throughout the liturgy.

After high school, Jerry joined the Brothers of the Holy Cross and studied at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. He returned to teach in a Catholic school in Detroit and spent time with the Paraclete Brothers in Vermont while continuing to discern his vocation. Eventually, encouraged by his dear priest friend whose mantra was, “Go West, young man,”—Jerry applied to St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park and the Diocese of Monterey.

He was ordained a priest on June 23, 1973, at the Carmel Mission Basilica by Bishop Harry A. Clinch, becoming the first priest ordained for the newly formed Diocese of Monterey at that holy location.

Fr. Jerry served faithfully in parishes across the diocese, including as associate pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption (Pajaro/Watsonville), Holy Cross (Santa Cruz), and as pastor at St. Francis Xavier (Seaside) and St. Angela Merici (Pacific Grove). His early years of priesthood were especially shaped by his time in Holy Cross and the Newman Center at UC Santa Cruz, where he formed lifelong friendships and deep pastoral roots. He loved every parish he was assigned to and carried each community in his heart. He remained a devoted member of the St. Angela community in his retirement. Those later years were marked by the companionship of wonderful friends and neighbors who watched over him and supported him with great love and loyalty.

He also served the diocese in numerous leadership roles—Assistant Superintendent for Catholic Schools, Vicar for Clergy, Dean of the Monterey Deanery, Presbyteral Council member, and Diocesan Consultor—and was a strong advocate for social justice. He was a founding member of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Monterey, always lifting up the voices of the poor and marginalized.

Fr. Jerry was always on the move—energetic, engaged, and ready to go wherever he was needed. He was thoughtful and kind, with a sense of humor that was gentle, joyful, and full of childlike wonder. He had a pastoral heart and a priestly mind but never got lost in formality. He followed what mattered and let go of what didn’t. He saw the person in front of him, not just the rulebook, and always made time for those in need—whether it meant dropping everything to visit someone in the hospital or offering comfort with his signature mix of wisdom, warmth, and wit. One of his proudest local moments came when his beloved dog Lulu was featured in The Pine Cone’s weekly pet column—a moment he delighted in and remembered fondly.

He is survived by his siblings, Jack, Jim, and Irene; his sister-in-law, Connie; many nieces and nephews and countless loving friends. He is joyfully reunited in heaven with his parents, John and Mary; his brother, Larry; his sisters-in-law, Janet and Marilyn; his brother-in-law, Joseph; his, nephew Daniel; and his beloved pets—Fuzzy, Trep, Mia, Leo, Louie, Lulu, and Larry the cat—who no doubt ran to greet him.

Guided by the example of St. Joseph and the servant heart of Christ, Fr. Jerry lived to love, serve, and lift others.

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Funeral Services

• Visitation: Monday, August 4, 2025

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

St. Angela Merici Catholic Church

362 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

(Vigil service at 4:00 PM)

• Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

10:30 AM

St. Angela Merici Catholic Church

• Celebration of Life Reception:

12:30 PM

San Carlos Cathedral Hall

550 Church St., Monterey, CA 93940

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🕊️ In Lieu of Flowers

Fr. Jerry requested remembrance through donations to the charities closest to his heart:

• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey

922 Hilby Avenue, Suite C

Seaside, CA 93955

www.catholiccharitiesdom.org

• St. Angela Merici Church

362 Lighthouse Avenue

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

www.stangelamericipacificgrove.org

• Animal Friends Rescue Project

P.O. Box 51083

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

www.animalfriendsrescue.org