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JERROLD POST Obituary

Jerrold M. Post (aGE 86)
Jerrold M. Post, 86, political psychology pioneer and psychiatrist died of complications from COVID-19 on November 22, 2020. He was a resident of Bethesda, MD.Dr. Post was Founding Director of the Political Psychology Program at The George Washington University. He was founder and president of Political Psychology Associates, a research and consulting firm specializing in threat analysis, industrial espionage and counter-terrorism. Dr. Post spent 21 years as founding director of the Central Intelligence Agency's Center for the Analysis of Personality and Political Behavior. In recognition of his leadership of the Center, Dr. Post was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit in 1979, and received the Studies in Intelligence Award in 1980. He maintained a private psychiatry practice in his home throughout his career. Dr. Post published and lectured widely. He published his last book, Dangerous Charisma the political psychology of Trump and his followers, as a discerning commentary and warning. Dr. Post received his B.A. and M.D. from Yale where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. He received his post-graduate training in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the National Institute of Mental Health. At his 50th graduation anniversary, the Association of Yale Alumni in Medicine awarded him the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Carolyn Post of Bethesda, MD; his daughters Cynthia Post (David) of Silver Spring, MD, Meredith Gramlich (Rob) of Bethesda, MD and Kirsten Davidson of Bethesda, MD; his sister Judith Tischler (Gary) of Bedford, NY; his grandchildren Emily, Rachel, Jacob, Samuel, and Kathryn; brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Lillian Post of New Haven, CT and his first wife of 18 years, Sharon Ruttenberg Post. Private graveside ceremony.Any contributions in his memory can be made to Jublilee Foundation at www.jubileemd.org/donate or 10408 Montgomery Ave, Kensington, MD 20895

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Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JERROLD POST

18 Entries

susan mann

November 18, 2023

I feel so grateful to have known Jerry. He had a profound impact on enriching my life- for which I will be forever grateful! Susan

Al Ashland

May 7, 2021

I think about you all the time Uncle Jerry, I miss you. Thanks for being so warm and kind when I was little, ill always love you

Ronnie Loeser

Planted Trees

Jim DeHart

December 10, 2020

Dr. Post was my most important mentor in graduate school at GW. In 1989, I answered an ad on the bulletin board, and the next thing I knew I was his assistant, researching and writing about terrorist groups from Sendero Luminoso to the Baader Meinhof Gang. It was fascinating for me, especially our regular meetings. He was brilliant, always encouraging, and generous with his time. My brain's a little bigger as a result, and the work I did for him I have kept to this day. Though I only saw a sliver of his remarkable life, from what I could tell he enjoyed it immensely. My sincere condolences to Carolyn Post and Family.

Daniel Druckman

December 7, 2020

Saddened to learn about the passing of my colleague Jerrold Post. Always enjoyed talking with him about our shared interests. I recall meeting him at a 1975 conference held at the Agency. He complimented my presentation and remained in touch through the years. I especially enjoyed the opportunity he provided for a presentation of my research to his political psychology group at GWU. Glad that I had a chance to know him. He will be missed.

Condolences to his wife and children.

Martin Frank

December 6, 2020

Dr Post was my attending for part of my psychiatry clerkship while I was a medical student almost 40 years ago and I still remember his skills at teaching the art of interviewing patients, his intellect, charm, humor and humanity. I've read about the focus of his interests over the last 3 or so years and have been inspired by his continued passion and sense of mission. I'm especially saddened that he died from this terrible disease. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.

Sean O'Brien

December 5, 2020

Dr. Post had a profound impact on me as a graduate student. His writings and career are responsible for me getting through my PhD in political science. He later consulted for me when I was at darpa. Stunning twist of fate, I apparently raised my daughter much the same way he raised his Own daughter (including all sorts of excursions in foreign countries, leading to great experiences with the locals).

He was a pioneer in his field and yet somehow managed to be a great father and husband. That is rare. The world lost a great man and my condolences to his family

Deborah Pines, MD

December 5, 2020

Jerrold Post added a great deal to my understanding of the role of personality in politics. I read many of his books, went to his seminars at the American Psychiatric Association, went out of my way to hear him speak when he came to my city. What he contributed to our knowledge, and to the world was vital. This is a great loss for all of us.

Buford Nichols

December 1, 2020

An academic creator and scholar of the political realm

David, Marian Holtz

November 28, 2020

Dear Carolyn, We send our sympathy to you and your extended family. Gerrold was a warm, special person. His contribution to the safety and security of our country is without parallel. It has been our privilege to have known him. Much love. Marian and David

Tim Ferch

November 26, 2020

Jerry was a wonderful person. I met him through my wife and inlaws and he was a funny and caring man.
I will always remember sitting on a deck at the home of mutual friends in Hawaii. Having a scotch and visiting one on one with Jerry. RIP my friend.

Tim Ferch

November 26, 2020

Jerry was a wonderful person. I met him through my wife and inlays and he was a funny and caring man.
I will always remember sitting on a deck at the home of mutual friends in Hawaii. Having a scotch and visiting one on one with Jerry. RIP my friend.

Tim Ferch

November 26, 2020

Larry and Barbara Levitan

November 25, 2020

Carolyn. Barbara and I were saddened to learn of Jerry’ s passing although the Rakers did keep us informed of the struggle he had at the end. Our thoughts and prayers are with. the family
Larry and Barbara

susan mann

Planted Trees

Nancy Voit

November 24, 2020

I know Jerrold through his beautiful and thoughtful daughter Meredith Gramlich. Reading about the contributions Jerrold Post made for the good of humanity and learning about his hobbies and interests, I see his daughter in him. I wish God's peace for Jerrold's family during this difficult time.
Nancy Voit

Kenneth Dekleva

November 24, 2020

I am saddened by Jerry’s passing and wish to send my condolences to Carolyn and their daughters and extended family. Jerry was a mentor and friend to me, and meeting/collaborating with him (in 1995, over a 4-hour brunch!) changed the course of my career and life trajectory. This led to a fruitful intellectual collaboration which brought me great joy. Jerry was a brilliant scholar and had a wonderful energy and curiosity which he brought to a field which he founded and led, e.g. leadership psychology. He was a mentor to several generations of psychiatrists and psychologists who worked (and still work!) in the national security space. He was also a distinguished APA member and taught thousands of psychiatrists over the years at his popular leadership psychology annual course. He’ll be greatly missed. RIP my friend and teacher.