Jerry Addicott

August 15, 1932 - December 25, 2024

Gerald 'Jerry' Laswell Addicott, 92, died in his sleep at Bay Village in Sarasota, Florida. While to many, this timing would appear to be horrible, those who knew him best agree that it was actually perfect. Jerry, a lifelong music lover and banjo player, brought a party with him wherever he went. The family will neither confirm nor deny the suspicion that Jerry timed his exit to compete with the festivities surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Jerry was born in Los Angeles to Virginia Laswell and James Addicott, Jr. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, turned down Harvard Law School's invitation to attend, and enjoyed a long career in Sales for IBM, including several years in Hawaii followed by many more years in the Maryland office. All along the way, Jerry's love for music accompanied him as he played Dixieland jazz in various bands, the longest gig being with the Buck Creek Jazz Band, which he loved. Over the years, Jerry spent many happy days at his family camp in Maine, playing countless games of tennis, squash, cards, and rousing rounds of Aggravation. There was seldom an occasion he could not find music lyrics or a good pun to accompany. His love for life and learning was matched only by his love for his family.

Jerry was blessed to find love twice in his life: first, with his wife Dolores, who died in 1993, and second with his wife Sue Ellen, whom he married in 1994. He is survived by Sue Ellen, daughters Laura (Eric) Meyer and Pam Houghtelling, son Steve Addicott, and 'bonus' kids, Susan (Eric) Anderson, Matt Anderson, and Brooks Addicott. He also loved his 10 grandchildren very much. Jerry was predeceased by his sister Janice Addicott Moore '55, and many other family members and dear friends.

Jerry lived a long, rich life and never met a stranger. He brought music and laughter with him wherever he went, along with the kind of sunny-side-up disposition that made life's challenges easier to bear. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, wisdom, and love and will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune, January 6, 2025