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Gerald Small Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) Small passed away from heart failure early Monday morning January 25, 2021, a day after his 88th birthday. He was at UNM Hospital following a fall in his home.
Jerry was born in Detroit, MI on January 24, 1933 and was raised there. He moved to Los Angeles, CA shortly after finishing High School, and obtained a degree in Public relations from UCLA. He was a founder of the first Gay & Lesbian (LGBTQ+) synagogue in the USA, Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC). This was the first LGBT congregation of any religion to be recognized by a mainstream religious movement. He was also the first director of the LA's Nechama: A Jewish Response to AIDS in 1988 shortly before his move to Albuquerque the Fall of 1991.
He co-chaired the Albuquerque Chanukah Festival held at the Civic Center for many years, founded the Albuquerque AIDS Walk, was President of Common Bond New Mexico Foundation and involved in countless other philanthropic endeavors. He was a Board Member, volunteer, and supporter of the New Mexico Holocaust Museum. He was also an accomplished Japanese brush painter.
We have lost a gentle spirit and a man with a big heart who selflessly lived his mission - to make the world a better place.
Jerry is survived by his son Adam, his niece Doreen Darwish, and his great niece Esther Zengele. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Doris [Saslove] Small, his brother Edward Lewis Small and sister in law Harriet [Phillips] Small, his sister Arlene Altman and brother-in-law Reginald Wilson. He will be deeply missed by his family, and family of friends.
Find here the link to the Memorial that was held in his honor on February 13, 2021.
And, the link to the Memorial service that was held at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque on February 3, 2021: https://www.facebook.com/congregationalbert/videos/2770596619823507
We have created a FB page with testimonies, photos and updates; you may post memories of Jerry Small: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2132013050267860
It is Mr. Smalls wish to direct donations to benefit Common Bond, a New Mexico Nonprofit working with LGBTQ Youth that he was a board member of. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Y5F8U4PZ8VTJS
If you have questions or just want to stay in touch, please email: [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Small
9 Entries
Jacqueline Marx
April 10, 2021
Jerry was my friend. Jerry was all goodness and generosity. May his memory be for a blessing.
Martin Saslove
February 8, 2021
Jerry and I are cousins. we were born 42 days apart at Harper Hospital in Detroit. From the time when we were about 3, until January 25, we spoke regularly, visited often, for 85 years. We laughed a lot. I will miss him.
James M. Price
February 7, 2021
My dear friend, you will be dearly missed and I had so much fun with our friendship for 35 years back in Los Angeles and here in Albuquerque. We had a great time together, going on trips in our beautiful State of New Mexico, I will always love you...your friend James.
Margot Greenberg
February 2, 2021
My cousin Gerry was the same age as my mother and they grew up together even though she lived in Ottawa, Canada and he in Detroit. We always looked forward to seeing him when he came to town to visit or at family weddings and we will all miss him.
sharon saslove
February 1, 2021
Cousin Gerry was a very special member of the Saslove family. Everyone always looked forward to when he would come to Ottawa for a visit. He always had a smile on his face, a laugh in his belly and genuinely cared about each and every member of the family. He loved getting all the news about what was going on and i know that my dad will miss him terribly. Such a man of compassion and values, he will be missed. Baruch Dayen HaEmet.
Rhoda Saslove Miller
February 1, 2021
Gerry was the sweetest, most outgoing charismatic person I’ve ever known. We were blessed that he was part of our family. Jerry never missed a family function, if possible he was always in attendance and the life of the party. He will be forever missed. rest in peace Jerry. Xoxox
Rhoda & Jeff
Martin Saslove
February 1, 2021
my dear cousin. we grew up together in Detroit and continued our long distance relationship for over 75 years. rest in peace my friend
Jeffrey W. Hurley
February 1, 2021
Jerry, It was such a horner that I could call you a very dear and close friend. We met and worked on the 1st AIDS walk here in Albuquerque over thirty years ago and raised over 100,000. More people loved you than you will ever know. You and I had many extraordinary conversations over the past year, and I know that you went to the other side; you were ready and had no regreats. We both had walked a path with many trying medical conditions, and both of us had an inner peace that many will truly never understand. I love you, my friend.
Doug Conrad
January 31, 2021
A generous and kind man. I met him at a potluck in LA in 2002. He said come on down to Albuquerque some time for a visit, so I did. He put me up and put up with me for weeks while I explored Albuquerque. When I finally moved here last year, I went by his house and saw the rainbow flag still flying, so I knew he was probably still around. The community will miss him.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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Memorial Events
for Gerald Small
Feb
3
Memorial service
1:00 p.m.
Congregation Albert
NM
Feb
13
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
A memorial service/celebration of life will be held online on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2pm. To get information and link to the service, please send an e-mail to: [email protected].
NM
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