Wilbert "Jerry" Thompson

Wilbert Gerard “Jerry” Thompson passed away on April 6, 2024, at his home in San Rafael at the age of 93. 

Jerry was born on November 11, 1930, in San Francisco to Walter and Loretto Thompson. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Jerry is survived by his children, Tim Thompson (Molly Sims partner), Sally Merz (John), Beth Sasan (Tim), Dennis Thompson (Nancy), Paul Thompson (Kathleen), Peter Thompson (Toni) and daughter in-law Debi Thompson (Steve deceased). Jerry was the beloved grandfather of Jerry, Jen, Luke, Conor, Maggie, Stephanie, Jake, Petra, Ray, Maile, Matthew, Erin, Annie, Jack, Amanda, Allison, Charlotte, Shannon, Ellen, Wil, Emily, Addy, Kyle, Kenny, and Greta, and 33 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Bob Thompson and Jim Thompson, and sisters Nancy Giorgi and Mary Gaidano. 

Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Erin O'Donoghue Thompson, daughter Stephanie Thompson, son Steve Thompson, parents Walter and Loretto Thompson, brother Walter Thompson Jr., and sister Sr. Sally Thompson of the Sisters of the Holy Names. 

Jerry’s family moved to San Anselmo in 1933 before the Golden Gate Bridge was built. Jerry went to St. Anselm Elementary School and St. Anselm High School, class of 1948, where he forged lifelong friendships. 

Jerry’s mother told him at a young age he should date cute Erin O’Donoghue. Their first date was at a dance at The Pavilion in Fairfax where their love blossomed. They married in 1950 after the initial protest of Erin’s father, who thought the marriage would never last. 65 years later they celebrated their anniversary in Yountville, surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

After attending College of Marin, Jerry went to work full time in the family business, joining his father and brothers at WG Thompson Painting. Jerry worked his way from the ground up, starting as an apprentice, and quickly advancing to journeyman, foreman, and general superintendent. As owner of one of the Bay Areas largest painting contracting businesses, Jerry was in charge of over 200 painters at times and supervised work on notable Bay Area landmarks such as SF City Hall, SF Opera House, UCSF, and the Transamerica Pyramid, as well as many prominent hotels, universities, office buildings and hospitals. 

In 1994 Jerry left WG Thompson and started Jerry Thompson & Sons Painting with two of his sons, continuing the family painting business legacy which began in the late 1800’s. All who knew Jerry in the construction industry respected and admired his 

hard work ethic and integrity. He sat on many industry boards and committees throughout his career, serving as President of the local Painting & Decorating Contractors Association and negotiating many Painters Union agreements. Jerry worked extremely hard until he retired in 2011 at the age of 80. 

After raising their 8 children, which included the oldest, Stephanie, who was developmentally disabled, Jerry and Erin explored the world together. Jerry especially loved traveling to see the big animals of Africa. In his later years he shared his joy of travel with his children and grandchildren. 

Jerry loved participating in sports. He competed in boxing and played basketball and football in high school. He was an avid tennis player and took part in “serious” tennis matches with his dearest old friends Stan Payton, Ben Guglielmo, and Jack Fahy. He learned to ski with his children and brought them to the slopes for years. Jerry could be found coaching his children at the San Anselmo little league field, attending football games at Marin Catholic and watching and cheering on his grandchildren in later years. In recent years he was a fixture on the San Rafael bocce courts and could be counted on to make the game point. 

Above all, Jerry will be remembered for his infectious laughter, warm smile, and unwavering kindness. He had a remarkable ability to light up any room and leave a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jerry kept his sense of humor and positive attitude all the way to the end of his life. His wonderful caregivers, Rai Marisilino and Betty Toka can attest to his continued joking, teasing and laughing, even while enduring a failing body. 

A Funeral Mass in memory of Jerry will be held on Saturday, June 1st, 11am at St. Anselm Church, 97 Shady Lane, Ross. In lieu of flowers, donations for Jerry may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names in Los Gatos, CA, or the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. 

Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

May he rest in peace.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilbert "Jerry" Thompson, please visit our floral store.