Gerald Leshgold, z"l, passed away on June 3, 2020, at 101 years old. He was the beloved husband of Evelyn Leshgold, father of Carol Rosenthal (Bob), Barrie Cress (Jon), and Lynn Rosencrantz (Arne); grandfather of Jamie, Lauryn (Jules), Daniel, Zack (Kara), Josh (Nicole), Willie (Maffi), Hayley (Shawn), Adam (Thalia), Marcus (Emily), and Amy; and great-grandfather of Eli, Preston, Felipe, Jaz, Jaxon, Max, and Ben.

He was born in Seattle, Wash., March 29, 1919, to Mildred, z”l, and Ben Leshgold, z”l. Richard Leshgold, z”l, his brother who passed away in January, was 14 years younger.

Jerry grew up in Seattle and met his wife of 78 years at a B'nai B'rith event in 1938. Evelyn was 16, Jerry was 19. He attended the University of Washington and upon graduation, Jerry moved to Portland to attend the NW School of Optometry and to be closer to Evelyn. They dated for three years and married in 1941.

Jerry enlisted in the Air Force. He served as a 2nd Lt. in the Control Tower Division.

Dr. Leshgold opened his first practice with a fellow graduate in Portland where they practiced together for five years. He practiced for 40 additional years and retired in 1988. After retiring, Evelyn and Jerry divided their time between Portland, Palm Desert and Gearhart.

In high school Jerry received nine letters for his sports participation. He played golf, tennis and racquetball until three years ago. He was also a former president of Tualatin Country Club and a supporter of Congregation Beth Israel, Rose Schnitzer Manor/Cedar Sinai Park, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

Private services were held Friday, June 5, at Congregation Beth Israel cemetery. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.