Jerry was an amazing, generous soul with an infectious smile. He took me under his dental wings when I moved to San Jose and gave me the space to grow professionally. I had the pleasure of working side by side with him for ten years and was witness to his bond with his patients, and the Japantown and art communities that he was so intimately tied with.
He could talk endlessly about the art projects he was involved with, but his eyes lit up most when the grand kids were in the office. The fact that so many of the staff had been with him for over thirty years is a testament to his kind spirit. Jerry was always upbeat, ALWAYS, even in the end when I knew he was not feeling well.
Ever so humble, he never spoke of the many accomplishments he achieved during his time. I would only find out upon hearing from other people - a jeweler, author, artist, poet, philanthropist, just to name a few. Not many can call their boss a friend, but that he was - a heart of gold and always one to check on us when we were going through some hardship.
He is truly missed and my family is blessed to have had him in our lives. There are not enough words to describe Jerry. Our condolences to Lucia and family, Dorothy, Barbara.....
With Love,
Stephani & Jeremy Ueno