Jerome Downing Whiting

Jerry, as he was known to all his friends, was a true son of San Francisco, proclaiming to all that "San Francisco was the best city in the world."

Born at St. Francis Hospital on January 26, 1933, to Herbert Wilmer Whiting and Mary Inez Downing Whiting, Jerry's family moved to Mill Valley where he attended Sir Francis Drake School and graduated from Tamalpais High School. As did his father and uncle before him, Jerry attended UC Berkeley, graduating in September 1954.

During the Korean War, Jerry served as the company clerk for a MASH unit employing his leave time to tour much of the Far East. After his honorable discharge in 1956, he traveled much of Europe, particularly enjoying the islands of Greece.

Returning to San Francisco, Jerry began a long and successful career with the interstate trucking division of Southern Pacific Railroad qualifying to practice before the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1971. Jerry testified before Congress on multiple occasions regarding interstate trucking regulation.

It was after trucking deregulation that Jerry found his second calling as building manager, serving the residents of 300 and 306 Arguello Blvd in San Francisco with his trademark charm, good humor, and perennial optimism. This position allowed him to devote his afternoons to long walks in Golden Gate Park where his irrepressible gregarious nature earned him a loyal following.

Jerry passed on Tuesday, August 11th at 11:45 AM, the time at which he would customarily embark on his afternoon walks. He is survived by his cousins the Peter and Susan Lund family of Minneapolis, MN and by the many members of his family of choice who will remember him always for his smile, charm, and gentle wit. Private services are scheduled at Duggan's Mortuary Daly City. Internment at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery to follow.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 20 to Aug. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Whiting

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

5 Entries

LaDonna Robertson

February 25, 2024

Jerry was briefly my boss at PMT in Burlingame, CA. I loved the heck out of Jerry's humor and every day he came into work, it would totally brighten our days! He was an eternal optimist with a bit of mischief attached enough to have some pretty deep laughs about life. It's the only time that I remember looking forward to work each day. He was honestly the best person I've ever met in my life. I was so sad to know he passed. He will be missed by many. I live in WA State and happened to think of him. I'm originally from Iowa and Jerry is from Minnesota (we had our midwestern roots but never really discussed them). Loved Jerry's passion, sensitivity, compassion for all good people, his beautiful face and big gorgeous eyes. I think he could easily have done standup for comic relief. Miss you Jerry from the day we met and then unfortunately as life would have it, our departure from the work scene. xoxoxo The Best Thing in my life was you, Jerry -- inside and outside of work for a needed tittle on a Friday evening in SF.

Beverly Anello

November 3, 2023

Jerry was a well loved neighbor to all on Rutherford Avenue in San Anselmo, Ca. He visited and cared for his mother at his childhood home during her life and for years after tending the garden and delighting neighbors with his upbeat banter. When he sold the house the neighbors gathered to have a a dinner in his honor! He is missed to this day.

Michelle Callahan

August 2, 2022

You will be missed

Gabe Harp

August 23, 2020

Yes, a true San Franciscan, always looked forward to sitting on bench with him at Spreckels Lake, it was never just small talk, it was talking about life’s experiences with a humorous perspective, always respectful- bright, informed and a listener- He always had time for my daughters, he brightened our day, always parted on a positive note, thank you Jerry and condolences to his family, he taught us, TBC, Gabe, Chloe and Sofia

Cathy Stevens

August 22, 2020

A very dear and loving friend and someone I enjoyed caring for over time. He was a very positive and strong man of faith. Love and blessings.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results