Gerald "Jerry" S. Benham Jr.

Born in Salem, Massachusetts on January 23, 1943. Jerry grew up in the town of Falmouth. His curiosity and love for nature took root early and flourished throughout a life marked by relentless learning and bold exploration. A proud graduate of Lawrence High School, he went on to earn an A.A. from Cape Cod Community College, a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts, an M.S. from the University of Rhode Island, and ultimately studying Entomology in a PhD program at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jerry’s life was anything but ordinary. His passion for science and discovery carried him across the globe and into some of the most fascinating roles imaginable. From studying forest insects in Hawaii to conducting research in space for NASA, serving as a police officer in Amherst, and even working as a personal bodyguard for Randolph Hearst, Jerry’s career was as diverse as it was inspiring.

He chronicled this extraordinary journey in his book Human Metamorphosis: The Making of a Man, a reflection on the unexpected paths and opportunities that shaped his life.

In 1976, a pivotal opportunity with Scientific Instruments led Jerry to a new chapter—combining his love of teaching and science as an Olympus representative. He became a world expert in laser scanning confocal microscopy, helping shape the work of scientists, cell biologists, and neuroscientists across continents. His seminars took him to prestigious institutions in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and his work was published in numerous scientific journals and books. Jerry was a trusted advisor to Nobel laureates, a mentor to countless postdocs, and a passionate educator until the end.

Beyond science, Jerry had a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. He loved fine wine, good food, and the arts. He proudly collected art pieces and was especially fond of his classic 1959 Porsche and a beloved hot rod he affectionately named Rambunctious. His stories—filled with humor, wisdom, and the occasional celebrity encounter—were legendary.

Jerry lived around the world, yet remained deeply connected to his family. He is survived by his children Amy W. Benham and Nathan S. Webber and his wife Kristin; his sister Patricia White (Benham); niece Sarah Ricard (White) and her husband David; nephew Paul Barton and his wife Nicole; and great-niece and nephew Brooke and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 plus years Bernadette W. Benham (Marshall), his parents Gerald Sylvester Benham Sr. and Anna Patricia Benham Kelsey (Diggins), and his brother-in-law Charles White.