Gerald Mechanick

A prince of a man passed away on September 19, 2010 in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He is survived by the love of his life, his "true love", Doris Nadler Mechanick, his wife for 53 years. His adoring children, Lisa, Philip, and Carol Mechanick survive him. He was also the proud and loving grandfather of Jason, Emanuel and great-granddaughter, Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Tibby Mechanick; and his brothers, Alan and Ted Mechanick. Jerry will be missed by his nephews, nieces, sister-in-laws, Godchildren and many cousins and friends who loved him dearly. He will be remembered as always being there to help, fix or drive anywhere and anytime. Jerry loved learning. He was a voracious reader. Born in Bayonne, N.J. on May 25, 1932, he graduated from Bayonne High School, Columbia University and Rutgers University. He completed his master's degree in Environmental Science at Dominguez Hills in California. Jerry and Doris raised their three young children in Teaneck, N.J., where he began his first career in retail, owning "World of Wood." He was a founding member of Kiwanis, a Mason, Cub Scout leader and had a season ticket to the "Met." In 1971, he closed his business, and started his second career with the U.S. Government, in Port Hueneme, Calif. He suprised his family by buying a house in the Ventura Keys. He was president of his temple, Beth Torah, youth group leader and home work helper to all who needed help. Jerry and Doris helped expand Jewish Marriage Encounter, and he loved leading weekends. Jerry enjoyed travel, especially planning a six-week European train adventure for the 25th anniversary. Most remembered are family camping trips in the VW van. When the children were in college, the Mechanick's moved to Santa Barbara. Jerry loved walking on the beach, climbing the rocks and listening to opera at the Music Academy of the West. In 1991, he started his third career with the Coachella Valley Association of Government, (C.V.A.G.). Jerry was the first "PM 10 Coordinator" and won many awards for C.V.A.G. He loved the desert and explored it thoroughly. He planned his most exciting trip after retirement when he mapped out a cross-country adventure to visit most of the presidential libraries. Jerry's love of travel included cruising, and moving from house to house, and doing most of the renovations himself, with help from his family. He leaves us cherished memories. We will always miss him, especially his smile. Burial took place at the United Hebrew Cemetery, in Staten Island, N.Y. on September 21, 2010. A memorial for Jerry will be held at 3:00 PM on October 17, 2010 at Atria Hacienda at 44600 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, CA. Donations may be made to the Stroke Recovery Center, 2800 Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262, YMCA, Doris Mechanick Child Development Center, SCRAP Gallery or any "green" cause.