Jerry Berlinger, a seasoned industry veteran, passed away on August 20, 2019. He was 77. He was born and raised in Brooklyn and attended Madison High School and attended Brooklyn College. He was married to Linda Jackson and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Jerry and Linda have two children, Wendy and Robert. The Berlingers are proud grandparents of 4 grandchildren. One from Linda and three from Jerry.
Jerry’s business career began in 1967 when he started with Botell Rings which later became Four Stars, and in 1990 he joined Suna Bros Inc. and has been there ever since
Jerry was the consummate, old world salesman; always positive, never flustered, and happy to travel great distances to see his clients, many of whom became personal friends. He clocked in countless miles during his career. He truly loved what he did, and everyone he met could see it. His enjoyment was both contagious and apparent. Jerry always had a song in his heart and a story to tell, regaling colorful tales of a life on the road and the ever-changing jewelry business.
Jerry had a wonderful rapport with retailers. He had an uncanny knack of getting even the busiest store owners to take his call or to give him a few moments if he happened to stop in unannounced. Maybe it was his gentle demeanor or his likable personality. Maybe it was his palpable kindness. One thing was certain: Jerry was beloved by so many.
Jerry enjoyed both professional relationships and personal friendships with store owners, staff and industry colleagues alike. Those who knew him will remember his spirited sense of humor. With a boyish grin and mischievous sparkle in his eyes, Jerry could tell a great joke—and often did. He loved to make people laugh, even doing stand-up comedy on occasion. Enthusiastic and lively, he was a voracious reader and a true music aficionado. From Seinfeld to Springsteen, he was happy to chat for hours on end. He will be sorely missed.
