Jerome Patrick Tucker

Jerome (Jerry) Patrick Tucker was born to Roy and Dorothy Tucker on August 29, 1946 in Madison, South Dakota. He was baptized September 12, 1946 in Madison. Together with his parents and older brother Tom, the family moved to Long Beach, California when Jerry was 6 months old. The Tucker family grew by two more children with the births of Kevin and Mary.

Jerry attended St. Barnabas Catholic School and St. Anthony’s High School. He was confirmed in his faith at St. Barnabas Church in Long Beach in 1960. He also attended Long Beach City College where he earned his Associates Degree. He was a Reservist in the Navy. He worked as a transportation engineer for the Long Beach Press Telegram, and managed a local liquor store. He also owned and managed a package delivery service. He found a career in sales selling glass for Olsen Glass, Girard Glass and finally West Coast Glass Products. He retired in 2014.

Jerry loved hunting and fishing with his best friend Tim Jones. He was also passionate about cars, motorcycles, including his 1941 Indian, and collecting antiques.

Jerry and Kathleen Dulaney married in 1974 and their daughter Jennifer was born in 1976. His in-laws became a second set of parents for him and he relished spending time with Vernon and Ellena Dulaney.

The Tucker family joined Bethany Lutheran Church in 1981 and were active with the church and school, where Jennifer attended. Jerry served on call committees, the renovation of the sanctuary and as a sound technician for worship services.

Jerry spent many years working with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. He served as a board member for Buena Park and Fullerton/Yorba Linda Assemblies, received the Grand Cross of Color service award and was recognized by the Masonic Youth Orders for his long term commitment to youth and the service organization.

Jerry’s strongest passion was reserved for his daughter Jennifer. However, he found that even a full heart can become fuller when Jennifer married Mike Carlson, became a grandfather through their marriage to Victoria, Melissa, Alex and Hannah, and when granddaughters Laci and Sophia were born.

Jerry passed away on February 7, 2016. He was preceded in death by his brother Kevin, father Roy, mother Dorothy, father-in-law Vernon, mother-in-law Ellena and brother Tom. He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Mike Carlson, and grandchildren Victoria, Melissa, Alex, Hannah, Laci and Sophia.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Psalm 100 Fund which supports music students and programs at Bethany Lutheran School, Long Beach.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401 www.luybendilday.com