Gerald "Jerry" McCarthy

Gerald "Jerry" McCarthy Age 74, of Novato passed away on September 28, 2015. He was born in San Francisco on July 11, 1941. Jerry graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco and received a Bachelors degree in Justice Administration from Sacramento State University. He was married to Lillian Vega in September of 2000. Jerry had a career in Law enforcement and worked for the Francisco Police Department for 31 years. Jerry was instrumental in reviving the SFPD Marine Patrol by securing SFPD 1 from the state of Washington. Jerry received the Medal of Valor Award, SFPD's highest award, for saving the lives of 42 people trapped aboard a sinking boat in San Francisco Bay. Highlights of his career included several years as the CO of SFPD Homicide Division and Captain of SFPD 1. Jerry was also a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard serving from 1958 to 1965. Jerry was a member of the Elks Lodge in Novato, the Bel Marin Keys Men's Club and the Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club, serving as a Commodore. Jerry had a passion for boating, motorcycling and traveling with Lillian in their RV. His Celebration of Life will be held at the Bel Marin Keys Community Center, 4 Montego Key, Novato, CA on Sunday, October 11 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. A mass will be held at Saint Vincent's Catholic Church, 1 St. Vincent's Drive, San Rafael 94903 on Friday, Oct. 9 starting at 10:30am. A private rosary will be held at Keaton's in Novato. He is survived by his wife Lillian, son Gerald (Christianne), daughter Theresa (Sean), daughter Kristie, and grandchildren Madison, Taylor, Kevan and Andrew and loving Aunt Carmen (Tiki).