Jerome (Jerry) G. Kass passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at the Bailey Family Center for Caring. Jerry was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 14, 1914, and spent his early years in New York City. After graduating from high school, he moved to St. Augustine in 1933. Jerry was a veteran of World War II and served as a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1937 with a BS in biology.

After his service in the Marines, Jerry and his wife, Rita owned and operated two different grocery stores, followed by Kass Distributing Co.

Jerry was one of the most community service-minded citizens in St. Johns County. He was president of Little Theater in the late 40"s and early 50"s; a 66-year member of the Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine and president in 1957, president of the Shrine Club of St. Augustine in 1977, a long-time member of the Congregation Sons of Israel and president from 1990-1995, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program president in 1995.

Jerry also served on the board of directors of Flagler Hospital, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, St. Johns County Welfare Federation, Military Order of World Wars and the Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine. Jerry has also been a member of the Elks, Marine Corps League, Garden Club, YMCA Board.

Many know Jerry as "The voice of the Yellow Jackets," calling games for more than 40 years.

In September 1998 Jerry was "knighted" by the Easter Festival and in October 1998 the St. Augustine City Commission honored Jerry with the presentation of its prestigious "La Florida Award." He was a "12 Who Cares" Community Award winner in 2002 and is an Inductee into the St. Johns County Sports Hall of Fame.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Loritta Snyder Kass, and is survived by his son: Barry (Carol) Kass and daughter: Robin Kass Burchfield (Rick), both of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Joshua (Theresa) Kass, Jonathan Kass, Shayna (Chad) Kearney, Adam Burchfield, Sarah Burchfield ;and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. at the Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery on Evergreen Street.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing may make a contribution to the Bailey Center for Caring, C/O Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville FL 32257 or the Pavilion at Bayview, 161 Marine St., St. Augustine FL 32084.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhome.com) is in charge of arrangements.

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

Published by St. Augustine Record from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Kass

12 Entries

Lynn Arnett

November 10, 2021

Dear Barry and family, on this the Anniversary of your Dad´s passing I want you to know that I still have fond memories of him. Such a dear man. Much love to you and Carol and your family.
Lynn Arnett

David Nolan

November 20, 2012

I will always be grateful for the history lessons that Jerry and Rita Kass gave me, and hope I can pass them on with the kind of graciousness that they exhibited. St. Augustine always needs more people like them, and will forever be richer because they anchored our community for so long.

November 19, 2012

Robin, Barry, and family,
I just found out about your Dad and I am so sorry for your loss. When I worked at Hays Pharmacy (so many years ago)he would come in to check our stock and make our orders and he was always so kind and funny too. We looked forward to seeing him - he brightened our day. He was a very special person and I will remember him fondly. My heart goes out to you all.
Lynn Harnage

November 19, 2012

Robin & Barry, Leslie and I are saddened by your dad's passing. He was an inspiration to all of us Kiwanians as an example of community service to others. Our city and county are better places for him having been a part of it for so many years. He is now resting in the arms of god where we hope to see him again one day.

RIP, Jerry

Bob & Leslie Eberling

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November 18, 2012

Carol and Barry, so sorry to read about Jerry passing, I will remember his warm smile,and the many dill pickles and penny candy, Dewey purchased for The Benet Store. Sincerely Marge Adelsperger (Spanish Bakery)

Jean Reiner Kincaid

November 18, 2012

Sorry to hear of Jerry's death. He was the first person in Congregation that I met over 20 years ago and remained a good friend for many years, He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a good, kind, generous, intelligent, man who always had time for a good joke or good advice. He was to me Mr. St. Augustine.Rest in peace, dear Jerry.

Fr. Rene Robert

November 17, 2012

Dear Robin. Barry & Family,
I will remember your father in my prayers. He gave my FSDB students a tour of his synagogue years ago.
May he rest in peace.

Lynn Flautt Arnett

November 17, 2012

Dear Barry and family, so very sorry for your loss. Who could ever forget the "Voice of the SAHS Yellow Jackets". I will always remember Jerry as someone to look up to. Our community has lost a shining light.

November 17, 2012

Barry, Carol and Family,

Sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Jerry was a kind, generous man who made St Augustine & St Johns County a better place to live by his many charitable acts. He will be truly missed by his countless friends and family. Our love and prayers for all of you. Ray & Brenda Ashton

Phyllis Pacetti Moody

November 17, 2012

So very sorry for the family's loss. Jerry was a great man and stood out among his peers within the community. He will be greatly missed by many.

Cheryl Freeman

November 17, 2012

Jerry is a bedrock of St. Augustine. The people that he influenced seems endless. I am proud to have known him, and RSVP is grateful that he chose over and over to make a lasting contribution in the lives of those in need.

Jennifer Jacobson

November 16, 2012

Jerry was very much a part of my growing up in St. Augustine. When I needed someone to interview as a primary source for my essay on the Middle East conflict 23 years ago, Jerry invited me to sit on his porch and record our two hour conversation. He always treated people like he was genuinely glad to see them, and I believe he was one of the most authentic people I've ever met. When my husband was in a coma, and I needed to stop at McDonalds to collect my thoughts, Jerry was there to lend his ear and words of encouragement. Our synagogue will be a less interesting place without you, Jerry, and you will be dearly missed. I've never seen someone age so gracefully.

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