Gerald V. ‘Jerry’ Smith

October 24, 1933 - September 2, 2022

ESCONDIDO, CA — Gerald “Jerry” V. Smith passed away peacefully on September 2, 2022. Jerry was born October 24, 1933, in Escondido, California to Donald and Virginia Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Patricia Smith, who passed on June 8, 2022.

He is survived by son Steven Smith, wife Tracy; daughter Pamela Boyd and husband Kenneth Boyd; granddaughters Alex and Jen Smith; several nieces and nephews and his siblings, Donna Rae Lee, and brother Dick Smith.

He attended Escondido High School and lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. In 1952 he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Rowe. Jerry joined the U. S. Naval Reserves during the Korean War and served as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Escondido.

He started his 37year career with the California Department of Transportation, Division of Highways (now Caltrans) in 1954, beginning as a surveyor’s assistant. Over the years he rose through the ranks until his retirement as Deputy District Director, Construction for Caltrans District 11 (San Diego and Imperial Counties).

Over the course of his career, he became a certified Professional

Engineer and worked on freeway and highway projects in Alpine, Carlsbad, El Centro, Mission Valley, and Santee among others. Toward the end of his transportation career, he worked with the Metropolitan Transportation Development Board (MTDB) as an engineer on the first leg (now the Blue Line) of the San Diego City Trolley.

He was a Master Mason and a member of Al Bahr Shrine. Pastime enjoyments included fishing, golf, sailing, camping, woodworking, and basset hounds of course.

There will be no public memorial service. Those wishing to honor his passing are encouraged to donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/pediatric-care/burn-care)