01/21/2025
IATSE Local-1
January 21, 2025
Dear Brothers, Sisters and Kin,
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jerry Gort, a third-generation member and a retired member of Local One for 69 years. He peacefully passed away on January 18, 2025, in West Hills, California. Brother Jerry was born on January 2, 1933, and became a member of Local One on November 1, 1956.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joan Stephanie Gort, for 47 years until her passing in 1996. Together, they had six children, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
Jerry began his career as an apprentice at the Century Electric Shop before moving on to work at CBS Studios during the golden age of television. It was at The Garry Moore Show where he made his on-air debut during a holiday season episode that celebrated the backstage crew during the show's end credits. He brought his talents to such shows as What's My Line, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Jackie Gleason Show.
Some of his fondest memories are from working on The Ed Sullivan Show, especially during the night of February 9, 1964. On this famed night, The Beatles were introduced to the American television audience, where backstage, Jerry lifted up Ringo Starr so he could sign the top of the scenic traveling wall before running onstage to play the drums.
As his career progressed, he became the road propman for the New York City Opera. Eventually, he was promoted to Property Master for the venue previously known as The New York State Theater until his retirement in 1991.
As an active family man, Jerry was involved in the Little League, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Jerry would have his kids "rehearse" setting up their tent in the backyard in preparation for their cross-country family camping trips.
In retirement, Jerry and Joan moved to warm, sunny California, where they preferred to "Shake and Bake" in the desert earthquakes rather than "Freeze and Sneeze" in the seasonal cold of New York.
From there they hosted their family and traveled the world on numerous adventures until her untimely passing in 1996.
In time Jerry was able to find renewed joy and happiness with the 2nd love of his life, Sheilah Hart. They spent their remaining years together on cruise ships, world tours, and visiting all seven continents. With his longtime West Coast cohorts and friends, his true passion was in hosting and playing poker a minimum of 3 days a week.
Jerry is predeceased by his wife, Joan; his children, Bruce, Abraham, and Debby; his granddaughters, Lacie Anne and Rebecca; and his siblings, Gabriella, Ruth, Renee, and George.
Jerry is survived by his longtime partner, Sheilah Hart. His daughter Sarajane Feinsilver (Robert), sons Gary & Leo, both 4th Generation Local One brothers and son in-law Richard Mewbourne. His grandchildren Richelle Nelson (Michael), 5th generation Local One brother Robert Gort (Erin), 5th generation Local One brother Jeffrey Feinsilver, Cyndie Orlando (Matthew), Lisa Marie Destefano, Lesley Feinsilver, Samantha Graham (Sean), Larrisa Mewbourne, Jessika Acosta (Donavin) and Seth Gort. His great grandchildren Braylen, Oscar, Hunter, Sydney, Lauren, Alex, Emily, Sienna, Giavanna, Arla and Lola. Additionally, he is survived by his brother and retired 3rd generation Local One brother, Ronald Gort.
SERVICES: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home 30 Nelson Avenue Staten Island, New York 10308
Funeral Immediately Following the Service: United Hebrew Cemetary 122 Arthur Kill Road Staten Island, New York 10306
In Solidarity,
Michael A Caffrey Secretary
Kurt Musser Administrative Secretary
