[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF GERALD ``JERRY'' FRY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a man 
committed to serving his country and community. Gerald ``Jerry'' Fry, 
former mayor of the city of Monterey, passed away on May 24, 2007. With 
a profound love for his city, Jerry devoted his career to improving the 
community around him. Jerry was a great example of the impact one man 
can have on so many people's lives, and without him the world is a bit 
dimmer. I offer his wife Mary, children Lisa, Luke, Terri, and Leslie, 
and the rest of Jerry's family my deepest condolences.
  Jerry grew up in Pacific Grove and attended Pacific Grove High 
School. After graduating from Santa Clara University, Jerry joined the 
Marines and served during the Korean war. After his time in the 
military, Jerry returned to his home on the Monterey Bay where he met 
his future wife, Mary. Upon his return to the peninsula, Jerry began 
managing a taxi company and also a stationary store. His long and 
dedicated career of service to the city, however, did not begin until 
1963 when a position on the city council opened and Jerry was elected 
to fill the remaining 2 years in the position.
  Jerry was first elected as mayor of the city of Monterey in 1977 and 
went on to win two more reelections. He began to shine as an 
outstanding mayor and great leader the instant he was in office. 
Friends described Jerry as ``one of the best mayors I think we've ever 
had.'' His ability to listen and to acknowledge everyone's desire to be 
heard was a gift and was what defined him in his 20 years on the 
Monterey City Council.
  After serving on the city council, Jerry still remained very 
interested in city politics and would enjoy discussing controversial 
issues with his friends. The city always remained close to Jerry's 
heart even long after he was out of office.
  Madam Speaker, Gerald ``Jerry'' Fry was a remarkable figure in our 
community, and he will live on in the memory of many people whose lives 
he has touched. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his 
commitment to the city of Monterey.