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Jerry DeBono Obituary
August 9, 1931 ~ September 22, 2006
PACIFIC GROVE – Jerry DeBono passed away peacefully on September 22, 2006 at his home in Pacific Grove with his partner, Cliff Berry at his side, and surrounded by family. The cause of death was lymphoma. He was born in Stockton, CA on August 9, 1931 and had recently celebrated his 75th birthday.
Jerry had a long and illustrious career in the theatre. In 1958, he was instrumental in starting the Studio Theatre in Carmel with Betty Hackett and Royden Martin. He wrote and acted in his own original revues and directed several summer musicals.
Prior to the Studio Theatre days, Jerry had a writing career in New York City during the "Golden Age of Live Television" in the early 1950's. He wrote for "Alcoa Presents", "The US Steel Hour", and "Lux Theater". He also wrote many episodes for television in the 60's and 70's for such shows as "Dr. Kildare", "Marcus Welby, M.D.", "The Eleventh Hour" and many others. Jerry was nominated for an Emmy for the premiere episode of "Marcus Welby, M.D." He was a 43-year member of
the Writers' Guild of America.
He had an additional career as an English Teacher in Advanced Placement English Programs in Los Angeles. His work in these programs was often used in gaining Ford Foundation grant funding for the LA Unified School District.
The Monterey Peninsula College Theatre Company welcomed Jerry's 1996 retirement to the Peninsula. He had been a guest writer and director for years with his original material. Jerry continued to enlighten Monterey's theatre-goers as recently as last year's "The American Musical".
Jerry had a life-long love of the movies, as well as theatre, especially musicals on film and on Broadway, but he was also known to be a "Judge Judy" fan as well.
He was a generous, kind, and caring person to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his sense of fairness and his sense of humor.
Jerry always had the unique ability to bring life to the party when he entered a room. His incredible sense of humor had no limits. When Peter asked him if he was an organ donor, Jerry replied in his typical humorous fashion: "Why would I – nothing in my body is working!"
He is survived by his partner, Cliff Berry, his brother Peter, and will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends: Terri DeBono, Linda McCabe, Margo and George Tzikas (Sacramento), Evette and John Sola (Stockton), Scott and Cassady Evers, Denise Guarnery, and Alicia Wharton.
No formal memorial service will be held at Jerry's request. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry's name to the Monterey Peninsula College Drama Department Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 761, Monterey, CA 93942 or to The Hospice of the Central Coast, 2 Upper Ragsdale Dr., Monterey, CA 93940.
"Time after time,I tell myself that I'm So lucky to be loving you."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry DeBono
Karen Raggio Sickels
October 25, 2006
Dear Cliff and Peter,
I write this with such a heavy heart. Jerry was Evette's cousin but I thought of him as my cousin, too. He touched all of us with his generosiy and kindness but also with his incredible sense of humor and beautiful words.
I remember watching every episode of "Dr. Kildare", " Marcus Welby" and "The Eleventh Hour" hoping to see that it was written by Jerry.
I shall treasure the video Cliff sent me of the MPC production of "The American Musical".
I truly believe the world will be a lesser place without Jerry and his outlook on life.
I wish I had known he was a fan of "Judge Judy". From now on when I turn on the show I will hear Jerry's infectious laugh.
To all of you, Peter, Cliff, and entire family, I send all my love and condolences.
Karen Raggio Sickels
Geraldine Kennon
October 17, 2006
Dear Cliff and Peter,
It seems wrong that Jerry is gone; he should be here to keep us laughing at life's fun and foibles while he gets on with another good idea for a show, a play or an art project. I am so sorry that he is gone from you two, his most precious brother and his life's partner. Love and courage to you both.
So many memories, but the most vivid now are of the early Studio Theatre days full of fun, creativity, wild parties, friendships and youthful dreams,( and broken hearts that always mended). Words,words, Jerry loved words. Remember the little notebook where he recorded his best ideas and our brightest bon mots? He was a life force, unique, loved.
Jennifer Nix
October 12, 2006
Cliff & Peter: I always thought I loved the theatre, until I met Jerry. Then I realized that I loved theatre because of people like Jerry. I would have done anything he ever asked... I was just that honored to work with him. I will miss him so much, and all my thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you all. Jennifer
Nanda Prato
October 8, 2006
One of those teachers that you remember fondly because he really cared, he kept you laughing, and somehow kept his sanity while teaching high school students. To this day, I cannot skip reading the preface of any book I begin.
Laverne Seeman
October 5, 2006
I didn't know Jerry but I know how hard it is to lose someone you love, my prayers and love go out to the entire family.
Tom DeBono
October 3, 2006
Jerry,
It was nice to chat with you after my brother's passing in April of this year. I was suprised
to learn you both suffered the same diease. I came along late in
your's, Peter's and Georges life. We are all first cousins. My family
and I remember watching your name scroll after the many shows. We love
the pennisula and hoped to re aquaint . We recently bought a sail boat
and plan to sail to your bay. You will forever be in our hearts.
Thomas Phillips
October 2, 2006
Jerry was a great man. My deepest sympathy goes to his friends and family. He will be missed.
michael lojkovic
October 2, 2006
One day several years ago I was hanging out at Peter's house, listening to an obscure 1973 Bob Dylan album of him doing all cover songs. Jerry came over,heard Dylan singing 'Can't Help Falling in Love' and cracked up!
"Mike, put that song on again!" he laughed, and we once again listened to Bob's version.
"Mike, listen to him, he sounds like he's Italian--'Take-a my heart, take-a my whole heart too..!'" Jerry was in stitches!
He had a very infectious laugh, and I always enjoyed seeing him in the audience for he had a great sense of humor.
I'll miss seeing Jerry, and our love goes out to Peter and Cliff and the rest of Jer's gang.
Sarah and Michael
Alec A. Head
October 2, 2006
I would like to express the most sincere of condolences to Peter Debono and to anyone else affected by the passing of Jerry. I do not claim to have known Jerry, but I was certainly aware of his talent and presence in the theater community. He will be missed.
Ana Warner
October 2, 2006
Jerry was one of the kindest men I have had the priviledge to know. He always had a sweet word and continually gave me words of support in the world of theatre. He will be missed by the MPC family, and my sincere condolences to Cliff, Peter, and his many friends and family.
Jason Bone
October 2, 2006
Cliff, Peter, family and friends,
My heart goes out to you as you go through this time of loss. You all know far better than I how great a blessing it was to have our lives graced with Jerry. Of my experiences in theater, performing for the children in the Barnyard, the 'Harry Potter' readings was the truest storytelling I've been a part of. He lives on in my heart. Be well.
George Xenos
September 30, 2006
Jerry's contribution to the neighborhood kids on Anderson St. in Stockton are gifts we recieved not knowing how precious they would be in our developing years. At age 5+ when visiting his Coolures grandparents, he would teach art, music, put on plays, shows which involved all of us for which neighbors would pay pennies and nickles to see. And we were all part of it. My regret is that we did not continue to "grow up" together, but what a legacy! Time sure did fly buddy.
George
Kathy Deskin-Jacobs
September 30, 2006
Jerry DeBono was the sweetest, kindest, funniest, most caring and talented person that I have ever had the good fortune to have known. When I think of Cliff, Peter, Denise and Teri my heart aches for your loss and I cry. When I think of Jerry, I smile. Every contact with Jerry was a joy. I can see him in my memory standing at the piano in the lobby of the theater at MPC, waiting to share himself with the many admirers that came to see his work with "The American Musical." He was so modest, so nervous and so humorous. What a dear and lovely person he was. My tears are for myself and for all of us that will miss him. Through my tears I hold close all of the smiles, the good words and the laughter that he gave me. When I last saw Jerry he was happy and surrounded by people that he loved. I will try to remember him that way. I think that this is what he would have wanted. He is too soon gone from us. My loving condolences to his family and friends.
Mary Kate Karr-Petras
September 29, 2006
A few words in this guest book won't convey how much I'll miss Jerry. He was, without a doubt, the best high school English teacher any of us could have wanted. When I add to that the memory of dancing with him to Salt 'n Pepa's big hit of 1988, "Push It," at the Senior Prom, what else can I say? {1. That sounds a lot more lascivious than it was. 2. Hope I punctuated that correctly.) Jerry, as you once signed off an e-mail to me: Je t'adore - Je t'adore -- On your way out, please je t'adore ...
Rosie Fox
September 29, 2006
Dear Leda, Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your cousin.
Kezia Jauron
September 27, 2006
Jerry will be remembered by many L.A. kids as the first teacher to take any interest in whether they thrived or died on the public school vine. I'm sure I'm one of many former students who became working writers, no doubt because he taught us that punctuation goes inside the quotation marks. ("Bring on the Victor Borge imitation," she cried.)
Jim & Nora Karr
September 27, 2006
Our sincere condolences. Our daughter, Mary Kate, had the good fortune to be in Jerry's AP English class. He took the time and effort to know and nurture his students and they were richer because of him. The world has lost a truly bright and special star.
Joyce Sherry
September 26, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Joyce Lower Sherry
Deborah Romoleroux
September 26, 2006
Cliff & Peter:
I met Jerry through my daughter, at a cast party for "Going Hollywood" a few years ago. Each time I saw him he was so kind and everyone seemed to be happier when he was around. I'm honored to have met him and will miss his creativity in local theater productions. My hearfelt condolences to you and prayer that you will be abundantly blessed with sweet memories.
Sincerely,
Deborah Rasul Romoleroux
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