Jerry Edward "Benny" Benezra

Jerry Edward Benezra died peacefully surrounded by family in his home in Cumberland, Maine on July 9, 2025.

Jerry was born May 27, 1945 in New York to Marco and Sylvia Benezra where he lived until leaving to attend high school in Haverhill, MA. Jerry attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and was a proud member of Tau Epsilon Phi, where known as Benny he made lifelong friends. Jerry attended law school at Suffolk University where he was top of his class.

He had a distinguished legal career for over 45 years. Rather than joining a large Boston law firm he chose to practice on his own in Melrose so that he could be home with his family for dinner each night. Opposing counsel often fell for his "I'm just a country lawyer" line at their own peril. He developed an active appellate practice which he very much enjoyed, as well as being an expert in corporate litigation. He was an active member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys.

Later in life Jerry started an international consulting firm and enjoyed many trips to Asia where he developed close friendships. At home, he was an active member of Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose, MA where he served in leadership roles for many years.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years Linda (Myers), or as he would refer to her – Linder, and sons Adam & Scott and daughter Lorissa along with their spouses Dianne, Karen and Keith. Jerry found great joy in his grandchildren Thomas, Emmett, Orie and Sylvie.

Jerry was a wonderful friend to many – none who would be surprised that his heart finally gave out given how big it was.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Friday July 11th at the Jewish Funeral Home 471 Deering Ave, Portland, ME. Burial will follow at Temple Beth El Memorial Park. There will then be a reception at the family home in Cumberland. The family will be sitting Shiva in Peabody Massachusetts on Sunday.