JEROLD "Jerry" SAMET

1944 - 2020

SAMET Jerold J. Samet "Jerry" Past Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia (1992), ascended to the celestial lodge above on December 1, 2020, he was 75-years-old. A lifelong resident of the Washington, DC metro area and a dedicated Freemason, Most Worshipful Brother Samet will be deary missed by his family and innumerable friends. Jerry was born on December 10, 1944 in Washington, DC. He was educated in the public schools of D.C. and Montgomery County, MD where his family later moved. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland. In his professional life from 1969 until his retirement in 2001, Jerry was the owner of and president of M. Stein & Co., the oldest formal wear establishment in Washington. But his true passion was in fraternalism and the many organizations he not only joined but lead with distinction, beginning in 1962 when he was initiated into the Order of DeMolay. He served his Chapter as Master Councilor the next year. He remained active in DeMolay as an adult advisor and won several awards for his service to the fraternity--locally, nationally and internationally--over the years, including its highest honor, the Legion of Honor. Brother Samet was raised a Master Mason in Osiris Lodge No. 26 (now Anacostia-Pentalpha Lodge No. 21), on September 21, 1966. Just a few months later, he was elected to serve as an officer of the lodge, and served as its Master in 1973. As a dedicated "joiner," was a member of 16 D.C. lodges and several other lodges both in the United States and abroad. Most Worshipful Brother Samet was installed as the 138th Grand Master of Masons in the District of Columbia on December 28, 1991. Most notably during his year as Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Samet oversaw festivities surrounding the 200-year anniversary of the cornerstone laying of the White House, which greatly elevated the profile of Masonry, as it was nationally televised to millions of Americans. Jerry was an illustrious member and leader of many other Masonic organizations, including: The Scottish Rite where he obtained the 33rd Degree and served as Personal Representative of the Deputy; Almas Temple Shrine, where he was the Director of the Sphinx Club; a charter member and Director of the DC High Twelve Club; Mt. Pleasant Chapter No. 13, Royal Arch Masons, where he served as High Priest and later in national roles as Grand Royal Arch Captain and Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of North Carolina and California to D.C.; the International Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron and Worthy Grand Patron and was for many years the editor of their magazine-The International Eastern Star Journal; and he was also a member of the National Sojourners, the Grotto, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the York Rite Council. In retirement, he was made International Honorary President of the charitable foundation "World Life Institute". He served as founding Chairman of the Board of the Albert's H. and Constance Saunders Foundation, as the founding Chairman of the Board of the Bernard E. Shultz Foundation, as President of the Margaret M. and Jerold J. Samet Foundation, a Board Member of the Eagle Scout Foundation, Chairman of the Board of the Children with a Future Foundation, and as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Youth Leaders International. Jerry is survived by his son, Michael H. Samet and granddaughter, Lyla J. Samet. Due to COVID restrictions, the funeral will be private; however, the family will arrange a celebration of Jerry's life when the time is appropriate.Due to COVID restrictions, the funeral will be private; however, the family will arrange a celebration of Jerry's life when the time is appropriate.