Jerome Walter Carlson
Sept. 19, 1936-Sept. 11, 2025
Atherton, California
Jerome (Jerry) Walter Carlson
September 19, 1936 – September 11, 2025
Jerome “Jerry” Carlson was born on September 19, 1936, at Enloe Hospital in Chico, California, to Alice and Ralph Carlson of Richvale. Raised among the rice fields of Richvale, Jerry’s early life was rooted in the values of hard work, community, and curiosity.
He began his education at Richvale Elementary School, where his class included just four other children. At Biggs High School, Jerry excelled both academically and athletically—graduating with honors while serving as captain of the football, basketball, and track teams. He was also Student Body President and led the debate team.
Jerry earned a degree in economics from UC Davis and later completed his MBA at Stanford University. A lifelong learner with a voracious appetite for reading, Jerry’s intellectual curiosity never waned. He joined the ROTC program in college and continued his service as an Army reservist, achieving the rank of Captain.
Jerry’s professional journey began on the family rice farm, where he partnered with his father for decades. After graduating from Davis, he joined the newly formed Hewlett-Packard (HP), rising to the role of Corporate Controller. He later served as Chief Financial Officer at Triad Systems in Livermore. Over the course of his more than 40-year career in business, he became a trusted leader and mentor. He was a founding member of his local Bank’s Board of Directors and provided business assistance to numerous organizations. His leadership extended to serving on the boards of the Tri-Valley Business Council, the Atherton Civic Interest League, and the Selby Education Foundation. He was also active in the Livermore Rotary, the Tri-Valley Vision Ag & Open Space and Water committees, and the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Financial Executives Institute.
Following his retirement from industry, Jerry dedicated himself to public service. He served on the Atherton City Council and as Mayor, where he was known for his fiscal discipline and leadership. One of his proudest achievements was spearheading a successful parcel tax campaign. He remained engaged in civic matters, notably voicing strong opposition to financial mismanagement in the California High-Speed Rail project.
Beyond his career and civic commitments, Jerry was a passionate fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. He found joy in the outdoors—whether in the mountains or at the beach—and appreciated a good steak or a spicy curry. Above all, Jerry was devoted to his family and faith. In his final days, he wrote: “I believe there is a Heaven that awaits me to join other family and friends and to await the arrival of others to come.”
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Shirley Cummings; his children Alisa (husband Gary), Steve, Sheila (husband Steve), Craig (deceased; wife Kelly; stepdaughter Lexi), and Kristy; stepchildren Jennifer and Matthew; and grandchildren Jerry, Alex, and Erik. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family, including Shirley’s siblings Bob and Marsha, their spouses Joan and Bill, and his cousins Jack and Bill Brereton and Pam Slater, and Dan Pena. He was previously married to Lois Marie Hastain and the late Sally Ryder Wells.
