Jerry Thomas

1921 - 2015

Jerry Spiro Thomas

Was born in Oakland on September 21, 1921, the son of Greek immigrants. His father owned a local barber shop.

Jerry led a varied and fruitful life revolving around music. Trained in classical piano as a child, Jerry soon discovered the lure of the Jazz era and started his own big band while in high school, playing many venues including colleges and social clubs around Oakland and San Francisco. Jerry graduated from UC Berkeley in 1942 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Minor in Music, after which he served in the US Army during World War II.

After the war Jerry worked as a freelance pianist, performing in lounges and for vocalists and other events in the Bay Area, and he also taught piano to students of all ages. During that time he also managed to write his own musical which was performed in San Francisco by local artists.

In the late 50's Jerry opened Sunset Music on Irving Street in San Francisco, which he operated until his retirement in the early 90's when he handed over the keys to longtime friend and fellow musician Evelyn, who still runs the shop today.

In his retirement Jerry spent time with his family and friends. Jerry was also a social gambler and made annual trips to Reno until he was no longer physically able to.

Jerry was a Master Mason and a 57 year member of Pacific-Starr King Lodge # 136 F. & A. M. (Previously, Jewel Lodge # 374). He was also a 15 year member of the San Francisco Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry.

In the final years of his life Jerry moved into the Sunrise Assisted Living Community (now called Vintage) on 19th Avenue, where as a resident he became one of their most socially active members, writing articles for the house newsletter, running the residents' store, performing as the resident pianist for social events, running the elections, and of course, playing bingo.

Jerry resided at Vintage for eleven years, and on December 11, 2015, he passed away peacefully at the age of 94.

Jerry will always be remembered as "Mr. By Golly!" He leaves behind daughters Vicki and Lexie, their husbands Fred and John, and grandchildren Jason, Jessica, Julianne, Jared, Sam, and Maggie.

A Funeral Service will be held on December 21 at 11am at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132.
The Committal will follow at Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, 1148 El Camino Real, Colma.

In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation may be made to: Lighthouse For The Blind And Visually Impaired, 214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.