July 24, 1956 - May 10, 2023 Jay Wm. Cervenka passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in his San Clemente home, surrounded by his children and his loving partner, Jeanne Kelley. Jay's parents, John and Gertrude Cervenka welcomed him into the world on July 24,1956. He was born at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was the 5th of 6 children with four older sisters and a younger brother. Jay attended Saints Felicitas & Perpetua Catholic School and San Marino High School. He was a high achieving athlete and student. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in Business Finance. Jay was extremely gifted both intellectually and creatively. After college, he was quickly hired as an on-air personality in the radio industry. He worked at a number of stations in the Southern California market. He ultimately moved his focus to the business arena and had a substantial career in the real estate investment business. He took over co-running his Father's investment company and led it to even greater success. Along with his business partner, Jay grew the company into a substantial real estate investment firm. Known for his honesty and high ethics, Jay developed lifelong friendships with many of his clients. Jay was passionate about helping others and his community. He was very active in the San Marino / Pasadena community. He led numerous fundraising events for the San Marino School District, served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena, was a member of the Pasadena Optimist Club and was on the Board of Directors of the Treasure Little Children charity. Jay's pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his children and their spouses Steven (Brooke Cervenka), Robyn, Paul and Kelley (Zach Coker), as well as his grandchildren and entire extended family. Jay's faith was at his very core and we have peace knowing he is in heaven, promised eternal life. His service will take place Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1501 Fremont Avenue, South Pasadena, CA followed by a reception (location to be announced). Please join us to remember the charismatic life of Jay Cervenka. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Treasure Little Children (TLC) www.TreasureLittleChildren.org

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

Published by San Gabriel Valley Tribune on May 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Cervenka

Sponsored by San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

12 Entries

Ron Arth

September 21, 2023

I met Jay on a cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Greece in the late 80's. I got to know him on the extremely long trip. I was just talking about Jay less than an hour ago to a man that lived in San Marino, California. Jay invited me to a party at his family home a year or two after that. You can imagine my shock as I googled his name when I arrived home. I feel as though we were friends and he treated me so kindly especially inviting me to the party with his family and friends. God bless you Jay and thank you for making me feel included!

Dan O´Bryant

June 15, 2023

I just heard about this today I am so sad and so bummed out the last time I talked to Jay He sounded very good and happy in San Clemente. I met Him 25 years ago at a car wash I worked at and became good friends always smiling and joking what an absolute drag

Larry Hazell

May 26, 2023

Sorry for your loss , may I extend my deepest condolences It´s always rough losing a family member RIP JAY
LARRY HAZELL AND Victoria Hazell

Your cousin Deb

May 26, 2023

Jana, Jamie, Kathy, Maria, John K-
Thinking of you today as you celebrate and mourn Jay. Such a loss...

Mark & Lisa Henzel

May 26, 2023

Jay "Diek":
You are my oldest friend. You are my second brother. We had a drink in your memory in Munich and now Rothenburg, Germany. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanne and the Cervenka family. I miss you. You will be in our thoughts and hearts forever. Less we forget.
Mark "Reggie" & Lisa Henzel