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The REV. JEROME FOUTE POLITZER
The REV. JEROME F. POLITZER died on July 27th, 2014 at home.
Rev. Politzer, or Father Jerry as he was also known, was born in San Francisco to Jerome Politzer and Augusta Foute Politzer in 1926. He grew up in San Francisco with his brothers Robert and Alexander, both deceased, and his sister Mary and attended Lowell High School. After serving in the Navy during the war, Rev. Politzer graduated from Stanford University and received a Bachelors of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and a S.T.M. from the Pacific School of Religion.
Rev. Politzer was ordained in 1952 and moved to Salinas, California, where he founded St. George's Episcopal Mission in Alisal (now St. George's Church in Salinas). He was also the founding Vicar of Good Shepherd Church, Corral de Tierra and Trinity Church, Gonzalez and was instrumental in establishing Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Salinas. Rev. Politzer was a faculty member of Golden Gate University, San Francisco, and a Founding Trustee of York Preparatory School in Monterey, California.
In 1968 Rev. Politzer became Rector of St. John's Chapel, Del Monte, Monterey. Following retirement he served as Rector Emeritus until his death. In response to growing theological concerns within the Episcopal Church, Rev. Politzer developed The Prayer Book Society in 1981 and served as president until 1991. Rev. Politzer built The Prayer Book Society into the largest extant Episcopal lay society. Rev. Politzer published a series of books of his sermons and was at work on another at the time of his death.
Rev. Politzer is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly Reeves Politzer, his sister Mary Haney, his three children Jerome (Rose) Mary (Laurent Pradier) and Ann (Martin Rosenberg) and grandchildren Jerry, Paul, Jean, Thomas, Amelia and William.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Chapel, 1490 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, California 93940, on Friday, August 1 at 11 A.M. The family would suggest that memorial contributions be made to St. John's Chapel Foundation, 1490 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, California 93940.
Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 26, 2022
Family
Stephen Murphy
I knew The Reverend Jerome Politzer since I was a small child. I was his alter boy at St Georges Church in Alisal in the 1950s when I was 5 years old. I also participated in his wedding to Beverly as the candle lighter when I was 7. He was always "Jerry" to me. He made sure I went to Grace Cathedral in San Francisco when I was 8 years old. I visited Grace Cathedral in 2022 and his portrait is painted on the stone walls of the Cathedral. He married me and my wife, Valerie, in 1970. I have never known a better man than "Jerry" Politzer.
April 22, 2015
Kimberly
My heartfelt, belated condolences to Fr. Politzer's family. I was a member of St. John's Chapel in the early 1980s. My two oldest children were christened there and I was confirmed there. I remember Fr. Politzer very well. He was the kindest man. He & Fr. Lister gave me a prayer book to keep and I still have it. I read prayers in it every night, carried it at my wedding in a synagogue when I married my Jewish husband from Israel and I have carried it with me when I went into surgeries for cancer. It's been a great comfort to me. I loved Fr. Politzer's sermons. I always felt such peace from him and at St. John's. I will always remember Fr. Politzer. We have another Angel in Heaven. Blessings to you & yours.
August 7, 2014
Marianne Sturtevant
Our deepest condolences to the Politzer family. Rev. Politzer was a true gentleman: genuine, caring, and principled. A last link to a more gracious San Francisco he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
August 3, 2014
Vince Guarino
Jerome:
Though I only met your Dad once, I do know you; and that is enough to realize he was a good man.
Vince Guarino
July 31, 2014
Janet (Wasson) Johnson
Revered Jerry was a big part of my family when I was growing up in Salinas. He always had a kind word and a warm smile - just a wonderful human being. He married my husband ad I at St. John's Chapel in 1969 - great memories. My condolences to his family.
July 30, 2014
Rest in peace good and faithful servant. dpf
July 30, 2014
Kathy Stefani
To Politzer Family, I know Rev. Jerry is with his lord and in the best of hands forever. When I was child (some 50 years ago) I attended the Church of the Good Shepherd, Corral de Tierra I remember it well. I am sorry that I can not attend the Memorial Service. My thoughts and prayers are with you (Rev. Jerry) and yours, Kathy Gould Stefani
July 30, 2014
Being around Father Politzer always made us feel like we had been wrapped in a warm blanket. We will miss his beautiful smile, Christian guidance and wisdom. Jon, Holly, Kelly, Andrew Price
July 30, 2014
Thanks be to God for Jerry's support of York School, Monterey during its early days, and for his steadfast ministry to the folks of St. John's Church. May Light perpetual shine upon him. The Rev. Roger Bowen, former Head of School, York School
July 30, 2014
Ramona Caballo-Donkers
My prayers and thoughts are with Rev. Politzer's family at this time. I remember him from Church of the Good Shepherd as a child..
July 30, 2014
You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Wiley, Sally, and Murphy
July 30, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Politzer family.
Mary Henness
July 30, 2014
Angela Lemmond (Watts)
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
July 30, 2014
Mike Curran
My Condolence to the Family. Rev. Jerry was a wonderful man, always cheerful with a kind word, I always enjoyed his sermons.
Rest in Peace.
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