Gerald (Jerry) Leonard Bronder was born July 15, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He passed peacefully at the age of 92, just two months shy of his 93rd birthday, on the morning of May 28, 2025, surrounded by his five children.

As a young man, Jerry faithfully served his country as a Morse code operator during the Korean Conflict, holding the rank of sergeant in the Marine Corps.

He met his bride, Marian (Joan) Egan, at the California Teachers College in Pennsylvania, where they were both first-generation college students. After graduating with a teaching degree, Jerry and Joan, now parents to a newborn, traveled across the country to begin his career as an educator in Southern California. They had three more children before settling in Eureka, where they became cherished members of the community and welcomed a fifth child into their growing family. The Bronders were among the earliest attendees of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In 1976, Jerry earned his Master’s of Education degree from Humboldt State University.

He went on to become a beloved counselor and teacher at Winship, Zane and Eureka High School for over 30 years. With love, dedication and his signature wit, he inspired and encouraged generations of students. Never one to seek accolades, Jerry led with heart.

Above all, Jerry’s greatest passion was his family. He seemed to have endless energy for his children — camping, boating at Trinity Lake, playing catch, tag, hide and seek, and kickball. He was, in every way, a dream father and later, “Pappy.”

Distance never deterred him. Whether it was cross-country road trips to visit family in Pennsylvania or flying to Saudi Arabia to see their daughter, Jerry and Joan always made the journey. Jerry also visited Saipan, the UK, China and Thailand.

Jerry’s love of activity never waned. He played in a men’s softball league well into his 80s, even competing in the Senior’s World Series. He took long walks around Eureka collecting rocks, and when he did rest, he was often engrossed in a novel, a love passed on to all his children.

His commitment to service was equally strong. Jerry volunteered as editor of the Marine Corps League newsletter, The Scuttlebutt, and worked tirelessly with their Toys for Tots program. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as both Grand Knight and District Director, a regular volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital and a devoted supporter of the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Facility, where he is honored in a mural for his many years of service.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Joan Egan; his grandson, Russell Anthony Lewis; and his son-in-law, Scott Reynolds. He is survived by his children: Teri Bronder-Lewis (Russ), Jerry Bronder (Kim), Kathleen Lair (Michael), Karen Reynolds and Lori Boll (Michael); and by his grandchildren: Matthew, Sara, Kayla, Jamie, Alyssa, Aaron, Kaeleigh, Scott, Madi and Braden. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren: Baylee, Morgan, Auggie, Connor, Jordan, Mark, Kaleb, Kaden, Liam and Peter.

In the final decade of his life, Jerry lived with Alzheimer’s, yet he never lost his gracious spirit or kind heart. His children often heard the words, “I love your dad,” from his caregivers and community members — a reflection of the warmth he continued to radiate. The family extends heartfelt thanks to their dear friend Maureen Olson, and to his devoted caregivers — Kent and Suzanne Lende, Humboldt House, and First Choice Care Home of Fortuna — for the compassionate care they provided.

A service will be held on August 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Facility of Eureka: https://www.svdp-redwoods.org/

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jerry Bronder’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.