To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Report Title: Proclamation Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gerald Sisler “Jerry” Martin.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gerald Sisler “Jerry” Martin
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
N/A
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gerald Sisler “Jerry” Martin
WHEREAS, Gerald Sisler “Jerry” Martin, a cherished member of the greater East Bay community, passed after a long and remarkable life of service, leadership, courage, and love; and
WHEREAS, Jerry began his professional life in Berkeley as a drugstore delivery boy and, through dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to public service, rose to the distinguished position of Deputy Chief of Staff at the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, Jerry’s personal journey was equally profound, marked by deep devotion to family and community, beginning in Berkeley where he attended public schools, met his first wife, Nettie Mae Osibin, and became a father to his daughter, Renetia; and
WHEREAS, known for his punctual presence behind the counter at Rumford’s Pharmacy (owned by Byron Rumford who authored California’s Fair Housing Act as a legislator), Jerry’s career and life expanded through service in the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Army, marrying Leona “Doll” Delcombre in 1950 and fathering two sons, Gerald and Michael; and
WHEREAS, as a full-time member of the California Army National Guard until 1968, Jerry and his family became one of the first Black families in El Cerrito in 1958, breaking racial barriers, fighting discrimination and pioneering community engagement, serving as the first Black Cubmaster and PTA President in the area, and also was one of the original members of the El Cerrito NAACP Branch in 1967; and
WHEREAS, Jerry’s civic leadership took a fresh turn in 1972 and flourished with appointments as Deputy Chief of Police and later City Manager of Compton, California, culminating in national service in Washington, D.C. with FEMA and the Veterans Administration, where he retired in 1989; and
WHEREAS, upon returning to El Cerrito, Jerry embraced retirement with his beloved wife Doll until her passing in 2009, remaining a steady, generous patriarch whose warmth, humor, and noble presence enriched the lives of family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife Doll and his son Gerald, and is survived by his loving children Renetia (Joe) and Michael, grandchildren Brittany (Mike), Courtney, and Michael, Jr. (Chantal), and great-granddaughter Zahara, along with many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Jerry passed peacefully in his El Cerrito home, and a Memorial Service to honor Jerry’s extraordinary life will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Berkeley;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize and honor the impactful life and legacy of Gerald Sisler “Jerry” Martin, celebrating his lifetime of service, dedication to community, and enduring role as a pioneer, leader, and beloved family man.
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