Jerome Ruzicka

August 20, 1934 - August 23, 2024
Jerry's Life and Legacy:
Jerry was a man of extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. As a musician, mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and cherished family member, he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
From a young age, Jerry's musical gift shone brightly. By 18, he had already captivated audiences with his remarkable ability to play complex pieces by ear. His talent was recognized nationally in 1952 when he won the National Amateur Parade contest, earning a refrigerator for his parents. This early success was just a glimpse of the lifelong passion he would pour into his music, continuing to play on the cherished Mason & Hamlin piano he acquired in the 1950s.
Jerry's journey in engineering began with a strong academic foundation. After graduating from Polytechnic High School in Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University, he completed his Master's Degree at MIT in just one year, earning the Young Engineer of the Year award in June 1957. His engineering career took off with Barry Controls, where he made significant contributions to rocket projects and NASA's first manned moon mission. His expertise in vibration control was so profound that a seminal book he authored on the subject remains influential today.
In 1972, Jerry seamlessly merged his engineering acumen with his passion for music by pursuing a second master's degree in business. This unique combination led him to the C-suite of leading companies in the audio industry. As an entrepreneur, he proudly designed and developed a surround sound system for Emerson, showcasing his innovative spirit.
Jerry, an innovator in audio quality and a talented musician, collaborated closely with his friend, conductor and composer Morton Gould. Together, they produced high-fidelity LPs with the London Symphony Orchestra, including notable works like Digital Space, Danzas Fantasticas, and Latin American Symphonette.
Jerry's zest for life was evident not only in his professional accomplishments but also in his personal joys. He delighted in the beaches of the Caribbean, the many vistas of Europe, in particular in the Czech Republic exploring his roots with his extended family, and the tranquil mountains of New Hampshire, where he and his beloved wife, Donna, enjoyed countless adventures together. Surrounded by the natural beauty of their surroundings and their cherished cats, they found immense happiness in each other's company and the simple pleasures of life.
As a father, Jerry was distinguished by his deep intellect and profound self-reflection. Raised in a time and place where racism and sexism were often accepted as normal, he scrutinized these prevailing "truths" and ultimately rejected them. His commitment to fairness and justice, and his ability to challenge and reshape his own beliefs, were among his most admirable qualities. By embodying these principles, he bestowed a remarkable legacy upon his children.
Jerry's legacy endures through his family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna; his children, Karla; Laurel and her fiancé, Anthony; and Dana and his wife, Karen. He is also remembered by his former wife, Mary; son-in-law, Tomas; his grandchildren, Maia, Bara, Kaitlyn, and TJ and his wife, Charlotte; his great-grandchild, Samara; his sister, Mary, and her husband, Dick; his sister-in-law, Alice; nephew, Ron; niece, Roxanne; brothers-in-law, Rick and Jim; and sister-in-law, Andrea. He was predeceased by his brother, William, and his parents, Helen and William.
Jerry's warmth, humor, creativity, and dedication to both his family and his work will forever be cherished. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of life will be held next summer for his family and friends.