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Gerald Hyman Obituary
A long-time resident of Arlington, Virginia, Jerry had a distinguished career in international development and democracy promotion. He played a central role in establishing the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID's) first democracy-building programs in Eastern Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. A man of keen intellect and unwavering integrity, he served as a political appointee at USAID under both Republican and Democratic administrations from 1990 to 2007.
In addition to his pioneering democracy-building work in Eastern Europe, Jerry helped establish USAID's inaugural Democracy and Governance Center, serving first as its Deputy Director and later as Director. After leaving USAID, he became a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he managed the Hills Program and supported a network of partner centers in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. He also served on advisory councils to the National Endowment for Democracy. Prior to his government service, he practiced law in Washington, DC, with Covington & Burling.
From 1970 to 1982, Jerry taught numerous, diverse courses in the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology at Smith College. He earned a B.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Chicago, as well as a J.D. from the University of Virginia. Throughout his notable career he authored numerous articles and commentaries.
Jerry will be deeply missed by so many colleagues around the world whose lives he touched with his willingness to help anyone in need, by his contributions to the practice and study of democracy, and by his selflessness and service to others. Private services.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Hyman
Dr. Thomas D. Zweifel
February 17, 2026
My deepest condolences.
Baruch dayan emet.
Zichrono lebracha, may his memory be a blessing.
Uf simches,
Thomas & Family
Liz Hart
February 13, 2026
Jerry was a friend and mentor; a model of integrity, intellectual rigor, and generosity of spirit. He paved the way for so many young professionals in international development, including me. To his family, I am very sorry for your loss. Know that he was deeply respected and appreciated.
Lauren Bailey
February 5, 2026
I didn't know Jerry well, but we were neighbors and I'd often see him as he walked through the neighborhood. We finally stopped and chatted for the first time during the pandemic since everyone was pretty desperate to connect with people back then. I'd often see him walking on extremely hot or terribly cold days, and if I were driving, I'd offer him a ride, but he would always politely refuse. I think he valued his health, his independence, our beautiful neighborhood, and his habit of picking up discarded refuse to always try to make things a little better. I had no idea of all of his professional accomplishments and career pursuits, which makes me sad because we would have had so much in common to talk about. I miss seeing Jerry out and about already, though I'm glad he's not out trying to traverse these icy sub-zero conditions this winter. I have a feeling he wouldn't have accepted a ride.
Judy Foreman
January 14, 2026
I am Jerry´s first cousin and I was shocked to hear of his passing. He knew my children well when they were young. My son looked up to him and enjoyed the visits to our home with his parents my aunt and uncle. I was very upset to hear that he was alone when he passed. May you rest in peace.
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Allison Cusick
January 9, 2026
We met Jerry during Covid when he would walk by. Our young children adopted him as their grandpa. I am so sad to hear this and the neighborhood will not be the same. He was such a positive influence.
Adrianne Doherty
January 7, 2026
Jerry was a tremendous influence and supporter of the many groups working to secure strong democratic institutions in Poland and Eastern Europe down thru the Balkans. He helped to win the fight and secure democracy and stability and support thru his many roles at USAID and multiple administrations. His help to all of us as he was an immense leader who helped many nascent democratic societies strong with US support.
Nick DeFabrizio
January 7, 2026
Jerry was a brilliant law student when we attended UVA Law together. He clearly had much more worldly experience that most of us, especially experience at the highest levels of academia. I am glad to see he went on to do so much good for the world and its most vulnerable citizens. A great reminder on how to live one's life and conduct one's career. Thank you Jerry and safe travels.....
Kaya Adams
January 4, 2026
From the first time we sat down together in USAID's DRG center, I felt Jerry's warm welcome. As a daughter of two anthropology professors and his anthro background, we had an instant connection. His earnest style of inquiry - pushing us as newbies to face tough questions and delve deeper on critical aid issues - stayed with me these 20+ years. To this day I use his case studies with others as examples carrying forward his teaching on the value of a second-look at complex situations and the utility of using a consistent comparative framework, e.g. our Democracy, Human Rights and Governance assessment tool. Most of all Jerry was a kind, collaborative mentor whose door was always open.
Michele Schimpp
January 3, 2026
Back in the early 90s when I was beginning my career with USAID and aspiring to join the Foreign Service, Jerry asked me about my career goals and then helped me make them come true. In the decades since, Jerry was a boss, a mentor, and a great friend. He made time to talk to me for hours about seemingly deep topics and then show equal interest in me, my family, and well-being. He influenced me in many ways, was an exceptionally kind human being, and I will miss him dearly.
Drew Luten
January 2, 2026
Jerry was a wonderful colleague over many years. Memories of working with him are coming up now - all good ones. His passion, and his pleasant and thoughtful approach, were distinctive. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Virginia Clark
January 1, 2026
Jerry was a dear friend starting at Waller High School and continuing
through all the years he lived away from Chicago. While his mother, Doris, was alive he made visits home and we had a chance to visit and catchup. He was a devoted and caring son. As Doris's health declined Jerry made more frequent visits in addition to monitoring her care remotely. Jerry gave up his vacations to come to Chicago and give her full time caregivers time off.
Jerry never forgot my sons and always wanted to know what they were doing. Our last visit was January when Jerry came to Chicago for my husband's memorial. Our last conversations (one hour) was for my birthday something he never forgot. I am heartbroken if he was alone at the end. Virginia Clark
Constance (Gibson) Jones
January 1, 2026
Jerry was a classmate and dear friend for four years at Waller High School in Chicago 1956-1960. We shared many projects, including the school newspaper, yearbook, Latin club and debating team. I remember him as a bright, postive, and inquisitive person with a delightfully funny sense of humor. Conversations with Jerry always were interesting and created more questions about our lives and futures.
While we communicated infrequently the last 64 years, it was easy to pick up the familiar conversations ( and jokes) when we saw each other.
All of us who knew him from those early days are proud of his contributions to diplomacy and peace. His work for democracy at USAID was a model for all who believe in freedom.
I will miss my dear friend. Rest in peace Jerry. Love, Connie
Eileen (Chuck) Stepanovich
December 31, 2025
Susan and Steven, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your cousin Jerry. There were a small, tight group of us who met in 1956 and share four years together at Waller H.S. in an accelerated program, Jerry being the brightest by far. Our friendship remained close for all these years. I treasure all his post cards sent from around the world, his watchful eye on my daughter during her 4 years at G.W. where he took her to dinner with his fascinating friends and introduced her to exotic cuisine. His dinner parties in Chicago while his mother was still with us. He always made time for our class reunions and our special family events, most recently my granddaughters wedding and our dear friend
Virginia's husband +Jim Clark.
I loved him like a brother and miss him terrible, as I know anyone who knew him will feel his loss.
Jeanne Bourgault
December 31, 2025
Jerry will be so missed. He was a mentor to so many of us. Like several of us here, he was my first DRG boss in the early 1990s, and mentor for years after. Jerry made possible so much for so many of us... and did so much good in this world.
Susan Jay
December 31, 2025
My condolences to Susan and Steven Hess. Jerry was such a beautiful man, as others here have already shared. Intelligent, hardworking with equally large measures of kindness and integrity. We all know his devotion to democracy, to his family, to his friends. He was my first boss in my first real job, in USAID´s Center for Democracy and Governance. He showed me what it was to be a devoted civil servant and an attentive colleague and friend. Among my favorite Jerry stories are when the Malians made him one of their own delegation at a global meeting on democratic affairs. He also showed up at my door across town when I was battling a terrible flu for over a week with a delish soup in hand. I was single with no family nearby. And he knew that. He would share the cookies that he kept in his desk drawer which he bought in generic and in bulk, as freely as he would share guidance so I could do my job better. And when I stumbled at some task, he would help me get back on track. I´m so blessed to have known him, served in government with him, and to call him a friend.
Maria Rendon
December 30, 2025
This is such sad news. I began my career at USAID under his tutelage during the opening of Eastern Europe & was his Deputy of the Democracy, Governance & Human Rights (DRG) Bureau when he retired from USAID.
He was an incredible mentor to so many- respected for his strong intellect & ability to work across the inter-agency & with multi-laterals to forge strategic partnerships. A cherished friend who will be greatly missed, Jerry leaves an indelible legacy.
Julie Browning
December 30, 2025
I was sad to hear of Gerry's passing. He was a mentor to many within USAID and revered within the democracy, human rights and governance community. He leaves behind a significant body of work and was instrumental in establishing a thriving democracy practice within USAID which grew to be one of the most significant of any country globally. He radiated light, humor and intelligence and will be fondly remembered by many.
Angelika Pohl
December 30, 2025
Jerry became a close friend to our family when he taught at Smith College. We loved him for his warmth, his lively wit, and his deep caring.
Afiqah, Faisal and Hana
December 30, 2025
Jerry was a regular patron at Aurora Hills library, Arlington, and that was where he first approached us, asking if we were Malaysians. He shared that he used to live in Malaysia from 1967-1969 while working on his dissertation in Anthropology. He taught himself how to speak the Malay language in 3 months and could still remember many words, it was truly impressive!
Since then, we became friends and often met at the library. He would share his stories and wisdom, sometimes reading storybooks to my 3 year old daughter, Hana, and sometimes completing coloring pages together.
Jerry was always positive and cheerful, and had a great sense of humour. He was a wonderful person to know. We will cherish all the fond memories with him and he will be missed.
To Susan and Steven, our deepest condolences to you and your family for the great loss. Wishing you peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Shar isralow
December 30, 2025
I´m so sorry, saddened and shocked at Jerry´s passing. He´s such an icon in the international democracy promotion community, he seemed near invincible. I used to work with Jerry and walk home from the metro with Jerry because we lived near each other. I can´t think of a more brilliant, kind, funny man or humanitarian. May he rest in peace and his legacy live on.
Bryerly Long
December 30, 2025
Very sad to hear this. I knew Jerry as a young kid when my mom worked with him. Later, he very kindly took me on a college tour while my family was posted overseas. We were happy to reconnect with him recently over Christmas a couple years ago and I was looking forward to introducing him to my son. He will be missed.
Dana Ott
December 30, 2025
So very sorry to hear this. I remember him so well from my days working on democracy and governance in Africa.
Lynellyn Long
December 30, 2025
Jerry, You are missed by all our family. I hope we all can carry on some of your wisdom, willingness to think and act out of the box, humour, integrity, good listening, and insights over a cup of tea. Thanks for all you gave to so many.
Christine Marie Sheckler
December 30, 2025
Dear Jerry, You will be so greatly missed, for your long & deep friendship, great insights, & family love with our Ger-Bear (Gerry Donnelly) as we opened the E&E Bureau's Office of Democracy and Governance. Fly high, my friend, Christine
Corbin Lyday
December 30, 2025
Jerry was a wise colleague during the early days of USAID's Bureau for Europe's democracy programs where we shared theories, practices, approaches to shore up fragile new republics emerging out of the post-communist landscape. I am greatly saddened to hear news of this and send condolences to his cousins.
Sarah Farnsworth
December 30, 2025
Oh this is such a terrible loss of a dogged and dedicated democracy warrior. Jerry had a piercing intellect. Always pushing to be sure I was asking the right questions or drawing the right conclusion. He was energetic and unflagging in his work on democracy promotion. An a true friend when you needed advice. RIP Jerry. You have touched so many lives.
Mark Billera
December 30, 2025
Jerry´s intellectual leadership was truly awesome, and I learned as much from him as anyone else in my career, for which I have always been grateful. My sadness today is complemented by a smile as I also remember that he was absolutely hilarious!
Hattie Babbitt
December 30, 2025
Jerry was a champion of democracy in word and in deed. He was an invaluable part of the first meeting of the Community of Democracies in Warsaw in 2000, acting as both a leader and as a foot soldier, as usual adding value in both roles
We´ve lost a real gem of a human being.
Jennifer Windsor
December 30, 2025
I am just completely shocked to hear the news . I had been trying to get in touch with him a week ago before . Would love to be in touch with his cousins to hear more .
Loren Schulze
December 30, 2025
Jerry is remembered by many for his role in the development of the democracy movement in Eastern Europe!! He was colleague with vision for what could be possible even in the face of despair!! He will be greatly missed!!
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