Gerald Timothy Moran
November 25, 1941 - March 10, 2017
Gerald Timothy Moran, known as Jerry to all his friends, passed away on March 10, 2017. The world lost a true friend and hero. Jerry was born in Mare Island Naval Hospital and lived in San Diego, CA. He worked for A T &T and moved up to Oakland to marry his wife, Esther with whom he spent 36 incredible years. After taking an early retirement from the phone company, he opened his own consulting business as a right of way agent and telecommunications expert.
Jerry proudly served in the United States Air force and got to see 22 countries.
Jerry was one of those bigger than life personalities that people were drawn to, like a magnet, the minute they met him. Every person he met became part of his extended family, and no person was ever a stranger. He was always cheerful and willing to go out of his way to help others. He mentored two people and volunteered at Kaiser Hospital two days a week because he loved helping people. He gave of himself unconditionally in spirit and in love. He was beautiful inside and out.
He touched so many lives, and those lives were richer because of Jerry. He was a gift to all who knew him and had such a “joie de vivre,” joy of life, and love for learning new things. He saw the positive side of everything and had an incredible zest for knowledge.
Jerry was a force to be reckoned with. He was so full of life. He loved it and lived it to the fullest. He was funny, passionate about everything and everybody, compassionate, caring, curious and loving. He was one of the most ethical and non-judgmental people I have ever known.
He was kindness, sincerity, mischievous, good natured and just plain silly at times. He was unique, and remained positive even when he went through some of his worst battles with illness. He truly showed his character because he always saw the good in people, was willing to help others whenever he could and believed it was the right thing to do. He never, ever lost his sense of humor even through the difficult times.
I always called him “my ray of sunshine.” His kind gentle nature, compassion, will, intellect, tenderness and humor is what made him so special to anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him.
When he came to a fork in the road, he knew he could be “better or bitter,” and he chose to live his life being better and enriching the lives of everyone who knew him.
Jerry loved adventure and travelling, and we both had the good fortune of seeing so much of the world.
He also loved his Honda Goldwing motorcycle on which we took five four thousand mile trips. Nothing slowed him down.
Despite the many health issues he had, he showed grace, strength and class. He was my inspiration and hero. It was his caring about humanity, and his feelings for other’s pains and struggles that made him unconditionally committed to a life of love and service to his fellow human beings. His drive and determination to seize each and every day and make the most of it, was an inspiration to all of us.
His legacy is, he never realized the profound effect he had on others. He was a gift that kept on giving. Jerry was truly a beautiful spirit.
Jerry was an amazing husband to his wife, Esther, father to his son Tim, father-in-law to Nicole and grandfather to his grandsons Blake and Trevor. He also loved his two kitties, Gracie and Midnight, whom he referred to as the “girls.” He also leaves behind a family and friends on both the East and West Coast.
There are no words to express how much we will miss him. It is unique to meet someone as rare and special as Jerry Moran. We were all so lucky and blessed to have had him in our lives. His passing leaves a hole in the universe, and a hole in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider Jerry’s favorite charity, The Wounded Warrior Project.