Jerome Wright

In Loving Memory of Jerry Wright

Jerry Wright passed away peacefully late in the evening on August 7, 2026. He had been surrounded by family and friends for much of the day and left this world on his own terms—just as he had lived his life: with independence, strength, and determination.

A Life Well Lived

Jerry was born in Chicago and grew up on the city’s West Side. He attended Farragut High School and Roosevelt University, where he studied accounting and earned his degree.

Jerry learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a young man, he loaded watermelons on Maxwell Street and took on whatever odd jobs he could find to help support his family. His father, Sam, was a barber who operated a single-chair barbershop in their home, while his mother, Bertha, was a devoted homemaker. From them, Jerry learned the values of perseverance, responsibility, and taking care of the people you love.

After earning his accounting degree, Jerry accepted a position with a small accounting firm in Chicago. Through determination, intelligence, and an unmistakable entrepreneurial spirit, he quickly worked his way up to become a partner. When the owners eventually retired, Jerry became the sole owner of the firm and renamed it Jerome I. Wright & Associates.

Under Jerry’s leadership, the firm grew and flourished over the years. He continued working well into his eighties, retiring at the age of 84. The business he built remains strong today, carried on by Jerry’s step-son and his cousin—a lasting testament to the foundation he created and the legacy he leaves behind.

But as impressive as Jerry’s professional accomplishments were, his greatest source of pride was the love he shared with his family and friends.

Jerry was a product of his upbringing and the streets of Chicago’s West Side. He could be tough, outspoken, and fiercely independent, but beneath that tough exterior was an enormous heart. For the people he loved, there was almost nothing he wouldn’t do. He was generous to a fault and would literally give someone the shirt off his back.

He was a devoted provider, a strong role model, and a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He taught them, by example, the importance of working hard, standing on your own two feet, enjoying life, and always taking care of your family.

A One-of-a-Kind Spirit

Jerry loved life—and he lived it fully.

He brought the same passion, energy, and determination to his personal life that he brought to his career. Fiercely independent, he lived life on his own terms and never worried too much about what anyone else thought.

He gambled a little too much, ate whatever he wanted, told plenty of off-color jokes, and was a consummate prankster. He had an unmistakable sense of humor, and his infectious laugh could fill a room.

Jerry also loved his friends, his restaurants, and his routines. He was a familiar and beloved presence at some of Chicago’s finest restaurants, maintaining his weekly rotation at Gibson’s, Tavern on Rush, Chicago Cut, and others until just months before his passing. He loved good food, good company, and good conversation—and he knew how to enjoy all three.

Jerry was, quite simply, one of a kind. He lived boldly, loved deeply, worked hard, laughed often, and never lost his sense of independence. His stories, his jokes, his laughter, and his larger-than-life personality will live on through the many people fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Family and Legacy

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his children, Larry, (Irina), Raizel, Gary, and Steven, (Sandra); eight grandchildren, who affectionately called him Zadie; and 13 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

His family was his greatest accomplishment and his most enduring legacy. Each of them carries a piece of Jerry with them—his strength, his humor, his generosity, his determination, and his unmistakable spirit. His influence will continue through the generations, and his memory will remain forever in their hearts.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Samuel and Bertha.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy: a successful business he built from the ground up, a family he loved fiercely, countless friendships, and a lifetime of memories that will be shared and cherished for generations to come.

Jerry lived life his way. He loved his way. He worked his way. And he left this world his way.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at Gibson’s,

1028 N. Rush Street, Chicago,

on Monday, August 17, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.