Jerome Eugene “Jerry” Smith passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Virginia Mason hospital in Seattle.

He was born Jan. 19, 1931 in Camden, New Jersey, where he lived until moving with his family to Southern California at the age of 15.

Jerome received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from UCLA.

In 1965 he married the love of his life Norma. They continued to work and raise a family in Los Angeles.

Jerry used his expertise in electrical engineering to work in the aerospace industry, where he and his business partner Dan eventually started their own company RPM. He and his wife retired to Bainbridge Island in 1991. Jerome always knew he wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest since visiting his uncle here in the 1940s.

He had a passion for learning, particularly in the subjects of science and nature. He enjoyed studying birds and spending time in the outdoors. One of his favorite hobbies was building model railroads. His greatest passion, however, was his lifelong love for music. He could play any instrument put in his hands and classical music was his favorite. They often attended the symphony.

He is survived by his wife, Norma, of 52 years; his three children, Bethany Shippen (Colene Taylor) of Bainbridge Island, William Smith (Catherine Haapala) of Suquamish, and Loren Smith of Bainbridge Island; three grandchildren, Kristopher Shippen (Lindsey), and two great grandsons; Tristan Traywick (Maureen) and Inge Shippen; three adopted grandchildren Erica, Kayla and Lindsey Hertzberg.

Jerry was a kind, gentle-hearted man with a terrific sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all that

knew him.

His remains will be scattered in Puget Sound in a private ceremony with the family.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date yet to be determined.