Birth date: May 6, 1939 Death date: Jan 5, 2021
Gerald S. Frissell, a native Floridian, was born at Tampa General Hospital on May 6, 1939. On January 5, 2021, he passed away—or, as he would quote from his favorite poem, High Flight, he “slipped the surly bonds of earth…and touc Read Obituary
Just wanted to send our love to all Jerry's family. He was always a kind and gentle man and we know he rests in the arms of Jesus now. He was so blessed to have an awesome family and wife Jacquie to love and take good care of him. We love and pray for the Frissell family. Scott and Anne Davis
A fond childhood memory of mine about dad is when he would take me to work with him. We would ride the el train downtown and walk to his building on Michigan Avenue. It was very exciting for a little kid from the burbs to see all the skyscrapers and be amidst all the hustle and bustle of a big city. At his office he would let me sit at the front desk and pretend I was the receptionist, although I usually just colored or lost myself in imagination immersed in the wall mural of "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat. At lunch we would walk across the bridge that wobbled a bit when busses passed by and made me a little nervous, but I knew it was worth it with McDonald's waiting for us on the other side of the river. Dad and I would eat outside so that I could feed the pigeons some of my french fries. They were simple yet treasured moments. Dad will be dearly missed.
One of my favorite memories is watching Jerry and Jacquie dance at my nieces wedding to celebrate their 50 th wedding anniversary. Everyone had such a wonderful time together❤️
Wonderful memories of Jerry that Dusty and I hold close to our hearts. RIP dear friend❤️
One of my favorite childhood memories of Uncle Jerry was when he flew Carolyn and me to Milwaukee in the 1970s. He had some business there--picking something up? dropping something off? --and decided to fly. The plane was tied down with a rope on each side when it was parked, and Carolyn and I had races to tie down each side.
I was glad to get to know Jerry again when my mother started spending winters in Palm Harbor. One of the last times I saw him was New Year's Eve, 2019. He and Jacquie came over to my mother's while we were videochatting with family in Spain. In Spain, everyone has a champagne glass with 12 grapes in it. At midnight, you eat a grape with each strike of the clock in order to have good fortune in the coming year. Afterwards, you fill the same glass with champagne/brut and have a toast. Although it was 6 p.m. in Florida, we celebrated with Spain, and Jerry was game for a new tradition. Afterwards, we made personal pizzas and played cards, and had a lovely evening.
Much love to everyone who will miss Jerry.
Jerry was my brother-in-law. Initially, he was reluctant to join our pinochle games because he recalled men in the Navy losing entire paychecks to the game. But Jerry, I said, pinochle doesn’t involve betting! Apparently the sailors found ways to wager. Finally we convinced him to learn how to play, and Jerry became my pinochle partner in games with Jacquie and my husband, Greg. We had a lot of fun and laughter during those games which we sometimes played by the pool and in John Chesnut Park.
I also remember an unasked for kindness that Jerry showed me. I was about to take a long highway drive with a container fastened on top of my car. I had misgivings myself about how secure that container was, but I was newly divorced and in my Helen Reddy “I am woman, I can do anything” phase, and didn’t want to seek help. Early on the morning of my trip, I found Jerry in my garage, using all his Navy knowledge of ropes and knots to make sure that the container was secure and that I would be safe. Fond memories that will keep Jerry in my mind and heart.
This photo is from my wedding, when parents often impart impactful and life-changing words of wisdom to their children. What I remember most is that Dad was tasked with telling me that the reason our reception seating was delayed was because my cake had fallen over back in the kitchen.
It makes me realize that our greatest memories are made up of a tapestry of the most ordinary moments in life. Those moments happened at piano recitals, badminton tournaments, neighborhood block parties, and summer jobs downtown. They are remembered as hand-cartooned birthday wrapping paper, a warm ride home from the Trap room, the scent of rubber cement and the taste of apples and cheese. These small, but significant bits of time, set one life apart from another and create the lasting recollections that will never fade.
Precious times with Jerry and our many friends at Key West. Rest in peace Jerry.
