Obituaries

Jerry Butler was born on June 25, 1959, in Santa Cruz, California. As a young child, around kindergarten age, Jerry and his family moved to Alameda County, where he would spend much of his life.

Even as a little boy, Jerry had an adventurous and independent spirit. He loved riding his bicycle around the neighborhood, and that bicycle eventually carried him to his first job as a paperboy, delivering newspapers to families throughout the community. Jerry attended Grimmer Elementary School and later Newark Memorial High School. Although he left high school before graduating, Jerry later went back and proudly earned his GED. He also pursued his love of cooking by taking culinary classes.

Music was one of Jerry’s greatest loves. As a young man, he played guitar in a band and especially enjoyed artists such as Jimi Hendrix, as well as the oldies he grew up listening to. After an injury to his hand left him unable to continue playing guitar, his love for music never faded. In later years, you could often find Jerry in his room with the radio beside him, listening to music for hours.

Jerry also loved horses as a young boy and carried many fond memories from those days throughout his life. He eventually became a sheet metal worker by trade and worked hard to build a good living for himself.

But more than anything Jerry accomplished, his family will remember his heart. Jerry was incredibly giving and compassionate. He was the kind of person who would give a stranger the shirt off his back if they needed it. To his nieces and nephews, Uncle Jerry will always be remembered as the uncle who was ready with candy or a special treat. He loved his family in his own special way, and they loved him deeply.

Jerry passed away unexpectedly on the morning of September 16, 2026. He leaves behind his beloved 88-year-old mother, Frances Brown; his brothers, Garold Butler and Kevin Butler; his stepbrother, Jimmy Brown; his sister, Tamarah Molina; his stepsister, Michelle Brown; his brother-in-law, Fred Molina; and his 10 nieces and nephews, along with extended family and loved ones who will forever carry his memory.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Henry Butler; his stepfather, Jack Brown; and his brother, Ronald Butler, who passed away approximately 15 years before him.

Though Jerry’s guitar may have grown quiet years ago, the music of his life remains in the memories of those who knew and loved him. His kind heart, giving spirit, love of music, and all the simple moments that made him Jerry will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Jerry. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed.