Gerald (Jerry) Small
Gerald (Jerry) Small passed away from heart failure early Monday morning January 25, 2021, a day after his 88th birthday. He was at UNM Hospital following a fall in his home.
Jerry was born in Detroit, MI on January 24, 1933 and was raised there. He moved to Los Angeles, CA shortly after finishing High School, and obtained a degree in Public relations from UCLA. He was a founder of the first Gay & Lesbian (LGBTQ+) synagogue in the USA, Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC). This was the first LGBT congregation of any religion to be recognized by a mainstream religious movement. He was also the first director of the LA’s Nechama: A Jewish Response to AIDS in 1988 shortly before his move to Albuquerque the Fall of 1991.
He co-chaired the Albuquerque Chanukah Festival held at the Civic Center for many years, founded the Albuquerque AIDS Walk, was President of Common Bond New Mexico Foundation and involved in countless other philanthropic endeavors. He was a Board Member, volunteer, and supporter of the New Mexico
Holocaust Museum. He was also an accomplished Japanese brush painter.
We have lost a gentle spirit and a man with a big heart who selflessly lived his mission - to make the world a better place.
Jerry is survived by his son Adam, his niece Doreen Darwish, and his great niece Esther Zengele. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Doris [Saslove] Small, his brother Edward Lewis Small and sister in law Harriet [Phillips] Small, his sister Arlene Altman and brother-in-law Reginald Wilson. He will be deeply missed by his family, and family of friends.
A memorial service at Congregation Albert will be held on Wednesday February 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM. To view the service, please go to the Congregation Albert Facebook page. Burial will take place at a later date.
A memorial service/ celebration of life will be held online on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2pm. To get information and link to the service, please send an e-mail to: info@firsteyefilm.com.