Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Jerry Belson Obituary
Belson died of cancer at his Los Angeles home, said friend and writing partner Garry Marshall.
Belson and Marshall worked together on some of the most celebrated sitcoms of the 1960s and 70s, including "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Odd Couple."
A signature scene that Belson wrote into "The Odd Couple" involved the character Felix Unger describing the funeral of a dog named "Spot Moskowitz," attended by dogs wearing yarmulkes.
After teaming with comedic actor Tracey Ullman, Belson won three Emmy awards - in 1989 and 1990, for his work on her Fox comedy, and in 1997, for writing on the HBO show "Tracey Takes On...". He was nominated for 17 Emmys in his career, which primarily focused on targeting the cocky and pretentious.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
20 Entries
Daniel M. Zaborowski
November 23, 2021
Never met this man, but it was if I knew him all my life through re-runs of the many t.v. sitcoms he wrote for. Thanks for all the laughter and belly busting giggles . R.I.P. Jerry Belson
June 19, 2019
An El Centro fan. Sad we lost you too soon. Virginia Boone
Keith Singleton
January 18, 2019
Very funny, funny man. His contributions will live on. He will keep making us laugh through his work. - Keith Singleton
Paul Garrison
September 10, 2018
I want to say Thank you to Mr. Belson for his wonderful sense of humor and contribution to Great television. God bless.
How you can show support
M M
June 14, 2011
Jerry was a talented man. He will be missed. As we reflect on his life may the thoughts found at Revelation 21:3,4 bring the needed peace to his family and friends.
May 17, 2010
The years may come and go. But the memories of our love ones will live forever in our hearts. May the God of tender mercy and comfort continue to be with the Belson family.
Wanisha
July 9, 2008
May the family and friends find comfort to know that the Almighty promises a time when we will have good health. Where we never have to worry about sickness or death. A world filled with righteousness.
"The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they reside forever upon it." -Pslam 37:29
Marcia Friedman-Gold
April 14, 2008
He was my favorite boss of all time. (OK, except for the one I married 22 years ago). I loved working for Jerry. I laughed 24/7. He fired me after I replaced a page of a Spielberg script he was working on with my own X-rated version--unfortunately it went around Hollywood before I could get it back--but he rehired me about 10 minutes later. I wish I could have given him back even a millionth of the wonderful fun he gave me. But I couldn't. I was never that funny. He was a true genius. I have always hoped his family was happy. Thank you Jerry, for everything. Forever in my memories.
Norma Gilbert
October 31, 2007
I went to school with Jerry, Had no idea he was same Jerry Belson. I just found out from surfing the internet. Please accept my deapest sympathies.
John Prigge
November 12, 2006
My sympathy to the Belson family. My mother and Jerry grew up together in El Centro, CA and regularly rode bikes together in grade school. As children watching the Dick Van Dyke show in reruns from our home near Chicago my siblings & I would squeal when we saw his name in the credits! Mom always had a nice word about him. As an adult I became more appreciative of his style & humor, in addition to his bike riding skills.
Burl Barer
October 24, 2006
I attended the memorial today, October 23rd, at the Falcon Theater. It was a lovely tribute of tears and laughter, loss and appreciation. I never met Mr. Belson, but he did a wonderful thing for my family -- he made my father laugh, and the sound of my father's laughter warmed my childhood heart. For this alone, I treasure Mr. Belson's contribution to my life.
Michael valente
October 14, 2006
Jerry Belson gave me a career. I thank him, miss him. He made me laugh. How can you not love that.
Roger Nussbaum
October 14, 2006
To the friends and family of
Jerry Belson, my deepest sympathy
too you.
I grew up to the Odd Couple and other shows that Mr. Belson had a big hand in. The power of laughter healed a lot of my lonly nights. And I have him to thank for that.
Too all the family and people who's life were affected by Mr. Belson. May your pain lessen and your hearts grow stronger one day at a time.
Best.
Roger Nussbaum. NJ.
Criss Witt
October 14, 2006
Our lives may we all cherish,
for one day we will perish..;
leaving spouces, children, friends, employees, fans, tv audiences allover, and others
to sit back and review our history.
Thinking where did the time go,
he was just here, now he's gone.
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Belson.
Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those that are broken at heart,and those who are crushed in spirit...
2Corinthians1:4-"The Father, Jehovah gives comfort to us in all our tribulation.'
carole
October 14, 2006
I can hear the brilliant barbs...mumbled half under his breath...that familiar whine.
He gave me my first job...I will always remember him...and his kindness towards me...
R. Losoya
October 13, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Dionisio Martinez
October 13, 2006
Thank you for making me laugh in the worst of times.
sull
October 13, 2006
sull
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Jerry Belson's name
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jerry Belson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored