Jerry Stanley Gerard's Obituary
Jerry S. Gerard
1947-2022
Jerry was born at Ft. Meade, MD, the son of Lt. Colonel Stanley R. and Angeline (Schiavoni) Gerard. Stanley had served in the European Theatre during WWII as a finance officer; and received a Bronze Medal for his work to ensure that General Patton’s Third Army soldiers were paid in a timely fashion as they fought bitter, demoralizing battles into France and Germany. In the 1950’s and 60’s, Jerry’s family moved to new postings every year or two, including Greece and Germany. As an “Army brat,” and with a few boxing tips from his father, he learned early on to rely on, and stand up for himself when the inevitable boy-bullying would start at all the new schools. He also applied himself to his studies and became a good student, traits that would shape his future career. His first real home was in Columbus, OH, where he attended four straight years at Eastmoor High School. He lettered in track, was in the National Honor Society, and participated in plays and musicals. He had the starring role in My Fair Lady, with his amazing singing voice. Who knew? Jerry next attended four years at Ohio State University, and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, and the Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (ROTC). He graduated with a B. A. in History and was named a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1969. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U. S. Army and later attained the rank of 1st Lt. He served in the 58th Military Police Co. - 100th MP Battalion, and as a correctional officer at Ft. Bragg Correctional Facility in North Carolina. This was the era of the unpopular Vietnam War and violent racial civil rights protests that spilled over into the Army, which was composed mostly of disgruntled draftees, making his job a difficult one. He excelled in his duties and was nominated for a West Point commission; but not wanting to be sent to Vietnam or extend his military career, he left the service and returned to OSU, where he obtained a M.A. in English. Jerry was enroute to Australia to work as a teacher, but before he could get there, the beaches of Encinitas and Del Mar beckoned him, and he decided to make California his home. Before accepting a job with the San Diego County Probation Department in 1974, he obtained a lifetime teaching credential and real estate license, working as a property manager. Over his 28-year career with the Probation Department, Jerry distinguished himself with his leadership, devotion to duty, and professionalism. He went through the ranks, working both institutions and casework, ultimately attaining the position of Director. He taught many classes; and was instrumental in establishing the first policies and procedures for Officer Safety and Defensive Tactics, and was one of the Department’s first Firearms Instructors and Range Masters. He broke ground for the department to work closely with other law-enforcement agencies dealing with narcotics and gang activity. He represented the Department in the County Narcotics Information Network, and San Diego Interagency Gang Intelligence. He supervised the Gang Suppression Unit for high-risk offenders; and directed the department’s Special Operations Unit, including the JUDGE Unit, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Warrant Task Force, San Diego Airport Task Force, and the department’s Narcotics Investigation team and two K-9 teams. In addition to his Probation duties, Jerry taught Criminology at Southwestern Community College for 10 years, and at National University for three years, where he had earned a M.S in Forensic Science, graduating as Valedictorian. Besides his career, Jerry was a faithful husband and father. He met Margy while teaching a Probation Self-Defense class, and they married in 1978. They moved to Elfin Forest where they planted 40 fruit trees, and raised chickens, geese, and goats. He also became an expert gopher-trapper and weed-whacker. They were blessed by the birth of two sons, and Jerry’s hard work ensured that his children would be raised by a stay-at-home mom. He was able to retire in 2002, and took up golf for many years, and enjoyed time with his family and friends. Although his physical health was good, Jerry developed severe insomnia in 2014 that got progressively worse. Between the sleep deprivation, depression, terrible medicines, and improper medical care, Jerry took his own life at home on June 30, 2022. He will be buried at Miramar National Cemetery at a private, graveside service in the near future. He is survived by his wife of 43 years; two sons, Steven (wife Sabina) and Alex; his sister, Grace (William) Gintling; and one grandson. Since 1980 he and Margy were members of New Life Presbyterian Church in Escondido. Jerry is now at peace in the arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
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