Gerald "Jerry" Shirar

1945 - 2021

Gerald "Jerry" Shirar, beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin, son, and friend went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday September 16, 2021.Jerry was born (and raised) in San Francisco, CA, in November 1945 to Bernard and Pia Shirar. He attended schools at St Vincent De Paul, Kittredge, and graduated high school from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. After high school he joined the United States Air Force. He completed a tour in Vietnam, spent a short time at Fairchild AFB, WA and came back to Travis AFB where he began and ended his military career, honorably serving for 34 years. Jerry worked as an aircraft mechanic crew chief and flight line supervisor on the C141B aircraft as an Air Reserve Technician and a Reservist. He was an excellent mechanic assigned as the flying crew chief on aircraft 66-151, and he flew and supported missions worldwide.Jerry loved raising his family in Vacaville, CA. He was a long time supporter of the high schools and local sports programs.At Vacaville High School (VHS) Jerry supported his oldest son Christopher in wrestling and later his grandsons Chris and Connor. His granddaughters Hanna and Rachel are currently VHS Varsity Cheerleaders.Jerry supported VHS Football where his second son Jonathan played and currently his grandson Nathan is playing for the Vacaville Jr Bulldogs.Later, Jerry's youngest son Daniel played VHS football and also played rugby for a local league. Jerry began photographing all VHS football games and continued to do so for several years after Daniel's graduation.Jerry also supported Vanden High School football where his grandson Zackary, Jerry's daughter Stefanie's son played.When his daughter Brittany came along, Jerry loved attending and photographing her riding motocross at various tracks throughout the state.After 38 years of friendship formed through the USAFR, Jerry married his true soulmate Tracy on New Years Eve in 2008, in a blissful ceremony at a winery in Napa, California. Jerry's family increased to six with the addition of Tracy's children Brad and Brittany.Jerry and Tracy traveled the world together, honeymooning in Sydney Australia, exploring and touring both islands of New Zealand, cruising with friends to Italy, Germany, Portugal, and throughout Europe. They took several trips to Hawaii and Guam. They went to work for the US Embassy in Singapore for three years where they lived and they traveled all over Southeast Asia and into various cities and regions of China.Jerry lived his life to the fullest. Always a true friend to lend a helping hand. He was an honest to a fault down to earth guy that never met a stranger. Many will miss his radiant smile and his warm "hello kiddo" greeting or his favorite saying "He Who Hesitates is Lost." Jerry's hobbies were his passions, and shooting Sporting Clays competitively was his absolute favorite. He attended and competed in many Sporting Clay competitions throughout the US. Jerry was also an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer and he dove magnificent reefs and shipwrecks all over the world. He loved boating, water skiing, snorkeling, boogie boarding and golf.Jerry is survived by his wife, Tracy; his oldest son, Christopher (Stephanie); grandchildren, Chris, Connor, Hanna and Rachel; his son Jonathan and grandson Nathan; his daughter Stefanie (Kevin) Murphy; grandson, Zackary; his son, Brad (Monique) Peugh and granddaughter, Kayedence; his daughter, Brittany Glorioso, and grandson, Daxton; his cousin, Mary Bulgarelli and her daughter, Kirsten of Southern California. he is predeceased by by his parents Bernard and Pia Shirar and his youngest son Daniel, although grandson Ryan Shirar is currently living in Texas.A viewing will be held on October 18, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, 1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield, CA 94533. A Catholic Service will be held October 19, 2021, from 10:45 to 1130 a.m., also at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home.Burial follows at 12:30 p.m.at Sacramento National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA.A Cebration of Life will begin at 1:30 p.m. at 324 Lockeford Springs Ct. Vacaville.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
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