Gerald D. ‘Jerry’ Polis

February 7, 2023

DEL MAR, CA — Gerald D. Polis (Jerry), 82, of Del Mar, California, died on February 7th of a traumatic brain injury when hit by a cyclist near Torrey Pines.

Jerry was a graduate of the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC and was on the Dean’s list, senior Class President and Captain of the Varsity Basketball team. He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1965. He served as a Captain, Judge Advocate from 1965-1969 in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam.

Mr. Polis had a notable career as both Deputy District Attorney and later as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Riverside, California for over 30 years, before retiring from the law in 1999 and moving to Del Mar.

Jerry was married to his first wife Bonnie Shenkarow for 25 years until her death at 52. They had two children, Lindsay and Kevin.

The most important job and one Jerry relished was a devoted and loving husband to his second wife, Beth his children and two grandchildren, Savannah and Benjamin.

Jerry and Beth took every opportunity to walk, golf regularly and travel the world. Jerry was always interested in learning more about a friend or stranger and had an incredible wit and sense of humor. He was always present for everyone, whether for graduations, birthdays, and when loss took members of family or friends.

Jerry was a generous philanthropist and believed in “paying it forward” as a way to demonstrate his gratitude that he received along the way. He established a teaching scholarship in Bonnie Polis’ name in Riverside and two endowments at the College of Charleston with wife Beth.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the near future. Jerry is survived by his wife Beth of 22 years, daughter. Lindsay, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Cindi and grandchildren, Savannah and Benjamin in San Diego and sister Faye Polis Seigel of Charleston, SC, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to either the Gerald and Beth endowed scholarship or the Gerald D. Polis family Veterans scholarship at the College of Charleston. Link: https://giving.cofc. edu/ways-to-give/ Type Polis in search field.

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