Gerald Cepernich passed away on August 30th, 2026 at the age of 96. He has been laid to rest beside his wife, Marian, at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno.

Jerry, as he preferred to be called, was born in San Jose, California, the only child of Croatian parents, Jerry and Rose Cepernich. He fondly spent his summers with his grandparents, George and Antoinette, in Watsonville. Jerry first met Marian on a blind double date and they married on November 19th, 1950. They shared 69 loving years together until Marian passed in 2019.

Shortly after their marriage, Jerry was inducted into the US Army to serve in the Korean war, leaving Marian behind with their new born daughter, Gayle. On his return from service two years later, Norine was born. The young family lived in Marian’s Italian parents upstairs flat in San Francisco, sharing Sunday meals with Nonno and Nonna who lived downstairs.

Jerry worked continuously for PG&E for 35 years as a cable splicer, wiring many of San Francisco’s high rises. In 1964, they bought their newly built home in Belmont, California. Jerry was a craftsman of all things woodworking, building fences, retaining walls, decks, and perfect crown moldings in all rooms.

His early retirement at age 56 allowed Marian and Jerry to travel extensively to Europe and the states. They were dedicated fans of the 49ers, attending home games for decades.

In his later years, Jerry got his wish to live at home until the end of his life. We are grateful to his caregivers, Piano and Godney, in his last four years.

Jerry is survived by his daughters Gayle Jacquet, (Dan), Norine Cepernich (John Bassetto), and his grandchildren, Katie and Jack Jacquet.

A memorial Mass for Jerry will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1040 Alameda De Las Pulgas in Belmont on Friday, November 6th, at 11am. A luncheon will follow at Saint Michaels Hall on the church grounds.

The family suggests donations to St. Anthony Foundation, 150 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 in lieu of flowers.