Joan Brill Mead
Jerry was the consummate friend to me, my family and countless other persons. We met in 1967 in an anthropology class at The Ohio State University. I believe our first date was in a laundromat. We lived together for awhile until a misunderstanding intervened. We would later renew our friendship on a journey through India in 1975. He was my protector, defending my honor as we absorbed the beauty and culture of India. It was at times filled with mayhem and madcap adventures. Ah, there was the bicycle he threw when our guide lost his way leading us miles astray.
After parting ways we lived in different places, but would ultimately rekindle our friendship in Los Angeles. It was there that Jerry really became a part of my family, participating in countless birthday, Mother's Day and other holiday celebrations. One Mother's Day saw Jerry, my mother and I as the victims of robbery and an attempted carjacking. That was memorable! As my father lay dying in 1990, we asked him who he would like to share his final hours with besides his immediate family. He requested the presence of Jerry and brother Bobby to share jokes and funny stories. I felt their devotion was the ultimate in friendship.
Jerry's departure from LA and relocation to Florida to care for his family was a terrible personal loss. But Jerry was as much about family as he was about friends and he was duty bound.
And so my dear friend Jerry, I bid you a fond farewell after 54 years of friendship. But, you will live on in my heart forever.
(from “Brillo,” AKA “Meado, Joan Brill Mead, your forever friend).