Gerald N. (Jerry) Littrell

Gerald N. (Jerry) Littrell passed away peacefully after a long illness May 3, 2021 at his Rohnert Park home. He was 78. He is survived by three sons, Jerold (Jay), Adam, and Patrick, and daughter Lorraine (Lori). His family, and many friends and acquaintances, will always remember Jerry for his sense of humor, quick wit, and the ability to make others laugh.
Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, graduating from Lowell High and then San Francisco State University. His great professional calling came as an English, writing and yearbook teacher for three decades in the Jefferson Union High School District, at Westmoor High in Daly City and Terra Nova High in Pacifica. Among his fondest memories of teaching was being the coordinator for those yearbook staffs and the adventures they experienced. From the mid-1960s on, Jerry was also a well-known figure in the local sports scene on the San Mateo Peninsula. This included many years as a sportswriter and correspondent, chiefly for the San Mateo Times, a women's basketball coach at Westmoor High, Burlingame High and College of San Mateo, and a softball and baseball umpire. He became recognized as one of the best baseball umpires in the area and was consistently rewarded with assignments to high school section playoff and championship games.
Jerry resided in Rohnert Park for two decades, there he much enjoyed his retirement days by staying in touch with friends, shopping and more shopping, theatre hopping, playing on-line spades with Lori, and anything and everything about granddaughter Georgia. Jerry also showed considerable talent in candle making, lapidary and wood turning. He touched many lives and will be missed.
There will be no services. The family does encourage online thoughts and remembrances.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 14 to May 16, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Littrell

Sponsored by Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma.

17 Entries

Wendy Cromwell

May 5, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. We had some fun times going to the movies.

Lisa Giusti

June 20, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Rest in peace Mr Littrell.
He was a awesome teacher and loving father.

Lisa Giusti

June 20, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
He was a great teacher and a great dad
Rest in peace Mr. Littrell

Jennifer Ward Chelone

June 20, 2021

He was an inspirational teacher!!! Even to us, who at the time didn’t know we could be inspired. TN Class is 1989

Brian Martinez

June 20, 2021

Rest in peace. You are my favorite teacher in high school and I truly appreciate your dedication to teaching. You turned me on to some great books that I will never forget and truly appreciate it.

Natasha Benham-Erdei

June 20, 2021

Mr. Littrell
What a great teacher. Loved going to his class at Terra Nova HS. Funny , caring and what a joy to have had the pleasure to like going to class . Definitely thought big him over the last 35 years . RIP .
My deepest condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Natasha Benham -Erdei

Craig Roark

June 20, 2021

I just came across the obituary of Mr .Littrell. He was my English Teacher during my Freshman year at Terra Nova High in 1981. A big fan of Orson Welles , always giving spelling tests in which he would come up with the most obscure words of the English Language. He had the thick burry beard, students would tease him that he was trying to look just like ''Wolfman Jack.'' A brilliant minded man. RIP Mr. Littrell.

Pamela Vivion-Brooks

May 19, 2021

I had Mr. Littrell as my journalism advisor in high school. He was absolutely my favorite and most memorable teacher. He was hilarious, wickedly smart and a great teacher. I still remember how he would write ATQ on essay tests - Answer The Question and I really learned how to read and answer questions as a result.
He was a great guy and I’m sure he will be sorely missed. I never forgot him and I graduated in 1977! Rest In Peace, Mr. Littrell.

Pamela Vivion-Brooks

May 19, 2021

Nikki Bannister

May 19, 2021

I met Gerry as my neighbor when my husband and I moved into the neighborhood. He was charming, welcoming, and open-hearted. We shared a few chats in his home that went on much longer than planned because it was so easy to keep talking with him, especially about his kids, teaching experience, and our mutual love for dogs. I feel fortunate to have shared a few years living side by side and getting to know him, and my prayers are with the family at this time.

Renee W

May 19, 2021

Mr. Littrell was my English teacher at Terra Nova so many years ago. I am sorry to hear of his passing, I enjoyed his class and he was a good teacher who understood his students. My condolences to his family.

Diane

May 17, 2021

Though I never met Jerry in the flesh we were internet buddies for many years. We'd send each other jokes and funny items. He'll be missed.

Robin (Cain) Seymour-Moquin

May 17, 2021

I was a student of Mr. Littrell's at Westmoor High, I worked on The school newspaper, The Rambler & was also his TA during my Sr. Year. I had multiple classes over the years with him. I remember his humor and his innovative style of teaching. Perhaps the most memorable was his "Is it a weapon or tool test?" In this test Mr. Littrell listed many items asking the student to identify them either as a weapon or a tool. As I began reading through the list it seemed initially very obvious which item was a weapon or a tool. But, as I thought about the entire list --as the bigger picture -- I quickly realized that every item on the list could be either a weapon or a tool depending on what one was using the item for. Every item had a primary -normal use but, also a secondary -devious use. This was nothing short of brilliant of Mr. Littrell, he got even the most unthinking of students and uninvolved to participate, to engage, and, to enjoy the subject. Mr. Littrell's sense of humor was Second To None. I have many, many fond memories, I've wished I knew where he was to stay in touch. I will always remember him with a smile on my face.

Maury Schulkin

May 16, 2021

I was sad to see Jerry's obituary today. I was his family physician for many years before my retirement from Kaiser Permanente in January 2020. I always enjoyed my visits with him, and his dry sense of humor. We enjoyed talking sports in particular. I particularly enjoyed his reminiscing about helping to teach Tom Brady quarterbacking footwork as a high schooler. I will miss him as I'm sure all of his family and friends will. May his memory be for a blessing

George Boardman

May 16, 2021

I knew Jerry at San Francisco State when we both were in the journalism department. I thought Jerry was good writer who could have done well in the news business, but he clearly had a higher calling.

One incident stands out in my memory--a day everybody of our generation remembers. I was sitting in a journalism class when Jerry burst into the room to announce that United Press was reporting that John Kennedy had been assassinated.

I was drafted into the Army after graduation and lost track of Jerry over the years, although I did know he became a teacher. I was a guest at his wedding and gave them a Bible. If a Bible from his wedding is still in the family, it's probably the one I gave them.

Jo Ann Fontes

May 14, 2021

Your humor and sarcasm will be missed by all. You were a great friend. May God bless

Adobe Creek Funeral Home

May 16, 2021

Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results