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Jerry McDonald Obituary
Raised in Pittsburgh, Jerry graduated from Swissvale High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Youngstown College and earned a BA degree in 1961. He then served as the director of the YMCA in Youngstown, Ohio, and Los Angeles, California, from 1956 to 1975.
In 1977, Jerry embraced Alcoholics Anonymous, which sparked his passion for helping others. He began his career in addiction treatment in 1978 as the Program Director for the nation's first inpatient program dedicated to treating eating disorders at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital. His expertise led him to contribute to esteemed organizations, including South Bay Hospital, Daniel Freeman Hospital, Hoag Memorial, The West Center, Monterey Community Hospital, and New Found Life.
From 1992 to 2014, Jerry made his most significant impact at the Betty Ford Center (BFC), where Jerry served as a counselor and in Clinical Outreach. He embodied kindness, humility, and grace, and positively impacted countless patients and their families. Known for his tough yet loving approach, Jerry's contributions included the impactful Awareness Hour, Women's Symposium, and numerous conferences nationwide.
Jerry received several awards during his career, including the Dr. Joseph L. Galletta "Spirit of Recovery" Award from Hemet Valley Recovery Center and the Promises Foundation "Lifetime Achievement" Award.
Beyond addiction treatment, Jerry was a respected volleyball referee at elite college and Olympic levels, earning a stellar reputation and a Hall of Fame induction for his dedication to the sport.
Jerry was a role model who inspired hope and healing in everyone he touched. He frequently ended his talks with a wonderful expression from his conception of love, "a bell is not a bell unless you ring it. A song is not a song unless you sing it, and love is not meant to be put into your heart to stay; love isn't love 'til you give it away."
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Ann, daughter, cherished grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. His enduring impact on the treatment community, his commitment to advancing recovery programs, and his exemplary life will forever be remembered. God bless Jerry with a "J." He will not be forgotten and will remain always in our hearts.
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Sharyn E. Zaslofsky
June 22, 2025
You left us without my knowing, nor, my thanking you for always showing me love, kindness, your big beautiful smile, &, a ready ear to listen, &, a big hug! I sent you a birthday card today, &, wished you Joy, &, a Blessings today, &, everyday that follows. May my love & wishes reach you in Heaven, &, may they come into fruition. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Jerry
Curt & Cathy Satter
February 23, 2025
Ann and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Jerry. Even though he is physically not here, we know in our hearts he is keeping an eye on everyone, including David Barge! We have wonderful memories of Jerry that we will always keep close to our hearts.
Carol Teitelbaum
February 17, 2025
Will miss you forever. One of your greatest fans. Sending love to Ann and family
Carol Teitelbaum
February 17, 2025
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John Conca DC
February 17, 2025
I knew Jerry from the halls of St James church in Redondo Beach,where his wife and daughter usually accompanied him. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will be missed by so many. In remembrance of his accomplishments in the field of alcoholism recovery, I dedicated a brick in his honor at the South Bay Alano Club in Hermosa Beach. God bless you Jerry.Sincerely, John Conca DC.
Mary Ann Spatola
February 13, 2025
Jerry
If you could create an angel to come down to earth
To be there when you need him
To remember who you are and welcome you
If he could have the essence of warmth and insight
And be the most generous with his time and attention and knowledge
You would have Jerry.
If you know Jerry, you know this
Anytime, anyplace he is there to help
Talking to Jerry is like talking to an encyclopedia
He remembers everyone and everyplace and everything
That could be of help to you
Talking to Jerry soothes the soul
He makes you feel you are the most important thing in the moment
Time stops.
Jerry's time has stopped here on the earth, but his essence and his life will shine on like a star
Jerry's life is like a galaxy of memories
Countless memories that bring him back in a flash
What I see when I think of Jerry is his smile that lights up his face
So many people will have so many memories from Jerry's universe
He embodies what love is
Jerry is the perfect example of what a human being is supposed to be
He will be remembered by so many
MAS
Cherlyne Majors
February 13, 2025
Jerry's shining spirit was my first introduction to the Betty Ford Center and he remained the face of BFC. He always uplifted those around him and he will be missed.
Rob & Renee McDonald
February 12, 2025
To most of you he was known as Jerry with a "J' but to his nieces and nephews and their children, he was Uncle Jeep. But he was more than just an uncle he was more like a second father. His generosity ranged from sending us to summer camp, to inviting us to California and serving as our tour guide during our stay. His positive attitude and endless sense of humor made every encounter with him a memorable pleasure.
With Uncle Jeep there were no bad days, every day was good, some were just better than others. I truly believe his goal in life was to bring joy to anyone he crossed paths with. Not with wealth or power but with love, compassion, hope, faith and of course humor. Just as God intended.
While we will all miss him dearly we will never forget him.
Bob Newton
February 10, 2025
--Jerry McDonald, ACATA; Producer, Drug Awareness Hour at the Betty Ford Center.
My deepest condolesces to Jerry Mcdonald's family, friends, co-workers and recovery friends. When I first met Jerry in 2001 when I began working at the Hazelden Betty Ford center I admired his energy for work , his keen sense of humor and his passion for recovery. I describe Jerry as a continuous ball of energy for laughter and recovery and beloved by all. Jerry was an admired top professional in the recovery field. His Master of Ceramony work at BFC awareness hour on Saturday mornings were exemplary. He always did a great job giving info about the speakers and telling stories for laughter.
Jerry was a great example to keep working no matter what age and he kept making a difference in peoples lives. Jerry had an array of skills of leadership, counseling,interevention, administration and marketing. At one point at BFC we wroked together in the business developmemnt department. The last time I saw Jerry was at his 80th birthday in Los Angeles with his friends and family. It was a great birthday party and festive time. Jerry will be deeply missed by many many . Rest in Peace Jerry '' Jeep'' Mcdonald.
Bob Newton
Ann/honeybun
February 10, 2025
Burning a candle for you every night,
Dear Honeybun.
Trish Farley
February 8, 2025
Jerry's contributions to the Addiction Recovery field are stellar.. He touched countless lives with his loving, healing heart. He was a true survivor and a warrior, a philosopher, a friend and a guide, bringing the blessings of his years to those in need. He leaves an indelible footprint of all that is good in the world.
Lawrence Wenner
January 24, 2025
Aah, what a great run Jerry. I met Jerry after knowing his wife Ann for a few years when Jerry finally "retired." What an amazing life from Youngstown to volleyball to helping so many people with their struggles with addiction. A kind and gracious guy who will be missed by many.
Jeremy Frank
January 24, 2025
My condolences to Ann and Jerry's family. He for sure will be missed dearly. Jerry had the unique and sincere quality of making you feel like you were the most special person in the room.
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