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Jerome (Jerry) R. Pies, of Tempe, AZ, died June 11, 2006, after a long struggle with cancer. Born February 10, 1936 in Rochester, NY, to Herman and Sylvia Pies, he moved with his parents and brother, Ronald to Albuquerque, NM in 1948 where he attended high school. In 1955, he enlisted in the Navy, served in Honolulu, HI during the Korean Conflict, and spent time in the Marine Reserves as a hospital corpsman. After separation from the military, he and his brother, Ron moved to Arizona. He attended Arizona State University, earning a degree in Business Administration. Soon thereafter, he met and married Gay Pies, nee Schwabauer. He spent his career of over 32 years with Merck & Co., Inc. and retired after being stricken with a type of Myositis (Inclusion Body Myopathy). He was an active member of the Arizona Myositis Association where he made many special friends. Jerry was dedicated to the welfare of children and was actively involved in youth sports. His involvement with youth carried over to the Tempe Sister City Organization where he volunteered for the various needs of the organization. He served as the coordinator of the Tempe - Skopje, Macedonia Student Exchange Program. He made several trips to the Balkins where good friends were realized whether it was a 16 year-old youth, the Mayor of Skopje, or the Prime Minister of Macedonia. He cherished these wonderful and rewarding experiences. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Dr. Gay Pies; four children, Lori (George Maxwell), Staci (Gene Fullano), Shani and Martin (Jeanette); as well as seven grandchildren, Ashley, Arianna, Austin, Kayla, Martin, Dagan, and Jeremy. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Ron (Bernita); and niece, Cara Tracy (Paul); and nephew, David (Jane). He read the following at his retirement by an unknown author: "Thank you Lord for reaching out to me through the special people you've sent along the way." It was true then and he felt this way until his passing. Raised in a loving Jewish family, he made the decision to deepen his faith and became a member of The First United Methodist Church of Tempe when he was baptized February 12, 2006. Memorial Service and reception will be held Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 3:00 pm at The First United Methodist Church of Tempe, 215 E. University Drive. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 Arrangements by Carr-Tenney Mortuary.
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