Gerald "Jerry" Smith

1940 - 2023

Gerald "Jerry" Smith
April 11, 1940 - March 30, 2023
Gerald "Jerry" C. Smith, 82, died peacefully on March, 30, 2023 in Reno, Nevada after a battle with sepsis.
Jerry is preceded in death by Sharon, his loving wife of 57 years. He is survived by sons Timothy (Elizabeth) Smith of Portland, Oregon and Christopher (Kristina) of Alamo, California, four loving grandsons, Kevin (Hannah), Jake, Jordan and Blake as well as siblings Joseph (Janet), Judy (Merle), James (Kathy), and four nieces, a nephew and their children.
Jerry Smith was born in Columbus, Ohio to Charlene (Simpson) and Frank Smith on April 11, 1940. His family moved to Portland, Oregon where he attended The Madeline Catholic School and Central Catholic High School, where he developed lifelong friendships. While in high school, Jerry was introduced to his future wife Sharon (Bell).
Jerry graduated from the University of Notre Dame and then from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1965. Jerry joined the Oakland firm of Fitzgerald, Abbott and Beardsley, later Donohue Fitzgerald, where he rose to become partner as well as a mentor to younger attorneys. Always known for his incredible work ethic, Jerry was as of-counsel to Donohue Fitzgerald well into his seventies.
Jerry and Sharon raised their sons in Oakland and Piedmont where Jerry coached youth baseball for many years. As longtime members of Claremont Country Club, Jerry enjoyed playing golf with friends who appreciated his dry wit and competitive nature. Jerry supported several charitable organizations including Children's Hospital Oakland, Family House in Oakland and served on the Board of Directors for Oakland Elizabeth House.
Jerry had also been a member of the Nell J. Redfield Foundation in Reno since its inception in 1974 and at his death held the title of President, Foundation Manager & Director. During his tenure with the Redfield Foundation, Jerry was a helpful friend to so many in the philanthropic community. Jerry served on the UNR Foundation Board of Trustees from 2008 – 2013 and again from 2015 – 2021. For his service to the University, Jerry received an honorary doctorate from UNR. The Board of County Commissioners formally recognized his efforts recently, calling him a true champion and modest hero.
Jerry's family wishes to express its special appreciation to the incredible caregivers that supported him throughout his illness including the medical team at Renown Regional Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation for the Sharon and Gerald Smith Dean's Future Scholars Scholarship, c/o UNR Foundation, M/S 0162, Reno, NV 89557.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Reno with the Celebration of Life to follow at the ArrowCreek Country Club.