Jerome (Jerry) G Kass

Jerry Kass passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 14, 1914, spent his early years in New York City and after graduating from high school, moved to St Augustine in 1933.

He graduated from the University of Florida in 1937 with a BS in Biology.

Kass served honorably as a Major in the US Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II. After his service in the Marines ended, Jerry and his wife, Rita owned and operated two different grocery stores, followed by Kass Distributing Company.

Jerry was one of the most community service-minded citizens in St Johns County. He was president of Little Theater in the late 40’s and early 50’s; a 66-year member of the Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine and president in 1957, president of the Shrine Club of St Augustine in 1977, a long-time member of the Congregation Sons of Israel serving as its president from 1990-1995, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program president in 1995.

Jerry also served on the Board of Directors of Flagler Hospital, Hospice NE Florida, St Johns County Welfare Federation, Military Order of World Wars and the Kiwanis Club of St Augustine. Jerry has also been a member of the Elks, Marine Corp League, Garden Club, YMCA Board.

Many know Jerry as “The voice of the Yellow Jackets” calling games for more than 40 years.

In September 1998 Jerry was “knighted” by the Easter Festival and in October 1998 the St Augustine City Commission honored Jerry with the presentation of its prestigious “La Florida Award”. He was a “12 Who Cares” Community Award winner in 2002 and is an inductee into the St Johns County Sports Hall of Fame.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Loritta Snyder Kass and is survived by son Barry (Carol) Kass and daughter Robin Kass Burchfield (Rick), both of St Augustine; grandchildren Joshua (Theresa) Kass, Jonathan Kass, Shayna (Chad) Kearney, Adam Burchfield, Sarah Burchfield and 5 great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery on Evergreen Street.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing may make a contribution to the Bailey Center for Caring, C/O NE Florida Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville FL 32257 or the Pavilion at Bayview, 161 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Craig Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.