Jerome ("Jerry", "Red", "Peck's Bad Boy") Brill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 25th, 2016 at The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing in Hendersonville, NC. He was born June 7th, 1926 in New York, NY; a son of the late Max and Dorothy (Mackler) Brill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Lorraine (Phillips) Brill (2007), and his younger brother Stanley Brill (1984).
Jerry grew up in the Bronx, NY, and graduated from James Monroe High Class of 1944 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. He was stationed during the Allied Occupation in Wiesbaden, Germany as a Draftsman, and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He arrived home during demobilization of Europe and was honorably discharged at Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1947. He joined his family in Miami, Florida, where received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree while at the University of Miami. Jerry moved back up to New York City and attended the Art Students League, New York, NY. He also attended New York University, where he earned his Master's of Education Degree.
After graduating he became an art educator as well as the Director of Art department at Hauppauge Schools in Hauppauge, New York. During this time Jerry and Lorraine married and settled in West Islip, New York on Long Island. Jerry proudly served as President of the Library Board of Trustees for the West Islip Public Library for many years.
After retiring from education, Jerry and Lorraine moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina. They enjoyed their retired life together, and sharing good times with the many friends they held dear. Jerry involved himself with many volunteer opportunities over the years, including the Friends of the Library in Hendersonville, work in the Pisgah Forest, an usher at the Flat Rock Playhouse, screening at the Interfaith Assistance Ministry, and at Blue Ridge Community College in the department of Life Long Learning.
Most importantly, Jerry was a happy fun loving man with a very gentle nature; a fabulous Dad to his children and a loving husband to Lorraine. He created his own cards for birthdays, holidays, for friends as thank you's, and other occasions. These cards are cherished by the recipients. He had created art over the years, but he especially enjoyed doodling on every scrap of paper within reach. He was truly 89 years young, retaining his sense of humor until he passed.
Jerry is survived by his son, Jeffrey Brill and his wife, Kimberly of Haverhill, MA; daughter Lorri Brill-Hickson (Michael) of Fletcher, NC; sister, Sondra Cohen and her husband Stephen Goldzman of La Palma, CA; niece, Melissa Pearson Campbell and her husband Tut Campbell of Long Beach, CA; his nephew Eric Cohen and his wife Rana of Venice Beach, CA, along with several grand nieces and nephews, and a great grandniece.
Jerry and his family would like to thank the staff at Carolina Village Medical Center, The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing, and his care team from Four Seasons Hospice for the loving care they have provided to him over the past few months.
The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 in Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel conducted by the Reverend Steve Jones. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jerry's memory be directed to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731; or to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Post Office Box 8195, Asheville, NC 28814.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.
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