Jerome Agrest

May 29th, 2025

I met Jerry at the most recent FJCM Conventions and felt a connection with him. He had good energy and I could tell he was someone that cared for and contributed to the communities, including Men’s Club, in which he was engaged. I will miss seeing him this summer in Chicago at our upcoming convention.

May his family know how appreciated and respected he was by those of us in the FJMC, and may Jerry’s memory be an eternal blessing in their lives.

~SCOTT VINEBERG
~Friend from FJMC, SCOTTSDALE, AZ

May 28th, 2025

The day I met Jerry, I fell in love with him. He was the epitome, the very definition of the word ‘mensch.’ Over the three decades that I kn ew Jerry, he served as a teacher, a mentor, a brother, and a friend. His guiding hand was gentle, his words and advice sage. His wonderful sense of humor helped even the strongest medicine go down (as Mary Poppins suggested) in a most delightful way. Being privileged to have met his lovely bride, Estelle, alaha ha-shalom, I saw the fountain from which he refreshed his love and menschlikhkeit. The loss is not only to Jerry’s friends and family, not only to his FJMC brethren, but to humanity. Ha-Shem has not blessed us with nearly enough Jerry Agrests. May his memory serve for a blessing always. Jerry…May you and Estelle share “das likhtekhe Gan Eden.”

~Alan Davis
~FJMC brother, Jerry Agrest mentee, Highland Park, New Jersey

May 22nd, 2025

I didn’t know Jerry a long time, but appreciated the time I spent with him on FJMC work, his wisdom, his friendship, and his spirit. My condolences to the generations of his family that are mourning for him. Baruch dayan ha’emet.

~Bob Watts
~FJMC brother, Annandale, VA

May 21st, 2025

My sincere condolences to Larry and his family. Jerry’s wisdom in discussing anything related to the synagogue community or the FJMC was always appreciated and heartfelt. He was always willing to lend a listening ear, regardless of the topic. I was looking forward to seeing Jerry in Chicago next month at the convention on his home turf. I will miss you!

Benny
VP FJMC

~Benny Sommerfeld
~Friend from FJMC, THOUSAND OAKS, CA

May 20th, 2025

A favorite first cousin! Even though there was an age difference, Jerry always made time to visit me and my family when his travels brought him to the West Coast. I have many warm memories of visiting with him and Estelle over the years. My deepest condolences to all of you…what a legacy he leaves behind.

~Miriam (Mimi) Timrott
~Cousin, Camarillo, CA

May 20th, 2025

It was my honor to call Jerry my friend and my mentor throughout my FJMC journey. Jerry was a hero to me, and to everyone who knew him.

My only regret is not meeting Jerry & Estelle 20 years earlier!

Alyce and I were so looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming Convention in your town of Chicago!

You already are missed.

~Mark Givarz
~Friend, Palm Coast, FL

May 20th, 2025

My sincerest condolences to Larry and his family. Estelle and Jerry were both incredible role models for how to really live and enjoy life. I hope you find comfort in their memories and carry on their legacy of enjoying life with friends, family, travel and good food.

~Marnee Velick
~Friend of family, Chicago, IL

May 19th, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family.

~Rocki Bible
~, ballwin

May 19th, 2025

Jerry was a real mensch. He was kind and welcoming. And he knew how to make people feel loved. He offered his wisdom freely and unconditionally. He will be missed tremendously. Attached photo is of Jerry and I at the 2023 FJMC convention in Philadelphia.

~Noam Raucher
~Friend, Arcadia

May 19th, 2025

Dr. Agrest was the most caring eye doctor and had great patience with my learning to wear various contacts over the years. Along with his long time assist Phyliss,, his office was managed so well. Carillon Vision remains in good hands after he passed it on to Dr. Neukirch. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this difficult time.

~Marcia Dellefield
~Patient of 50 years, Arlington Heights, IL

May 19th, 2025

Tribute video on YouTube highlighting Jerry’s contributions to Men’s Clubs
https://youtu.be/l2YbyvXyU6M

~Michael J Greenberg
~, Northbrook

May 18th, 2025

Sorry for the family of Dr Agrest. He was such a good eye doctor.

~Maria Lemke
~Patient, Arlington Heights

May 18th, 2025

My deepest sympathy to Jerry’s family & friends. Jerry was my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. The memories we made will never be forgotten. & I thank God for every moment we shared. May Jerry rest in eternal peace with God & may God comfort all of us grieving the loss of our beloved Jerry..

~Phyllis Milewski
~Friend, Morton Grove, IL

May 18th, 2025

I was fortunate to spend time with both of your parents. They always let me know when they were coming to Toronto for a conference so we could meet. I have stayed in touch over the years and have only fond memories.

~Helen Morris
~Friend, Toronto Ontario