Jerry Pierce
May 8, 1952-April 12, 2026
Redwood City, California

Jerry Pierce passed away April 12, 2026 at his home in Redwood City, California, surrounded by his family. A true Renaissance man of the modern era, Jerry was defined by his passion for the great outdoors, his technical expertise, and his keen eye for the beauty of the natural world. Jerry had three separate lives: as technologist, family man, and avid outdoor enthusiast focusing on his photography and hiking. Jerry was born May 8, 1952 in Claremont, California. He spent his childhood in Claremont, moving to Joshua Tree with his parents during high school. He graduated from Yucca Valley High School and attended Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where he met his beautiful wife and best friend, his first year of college when she was looking for volunteers. After graduating from UC Berkeley and Stanford University, Jerry and Barbara eventually settled in Redwood City where they raised their two daughters, Andrea and Amanda. His home life was spent surrounded by these women who loved him. His career spanned over four decades of rapid technological evolution working on a range of technical issues at SRI and Universal Studios where he helped with the standardization and launch of DVD, and Digital Cinema. He brought out of the box thinking, ability to strategize a product approach, and to guide design of a product for industry acceptance. Jerry was an avid backpacker and world traveler who saw the world with his lens and a pair of hiking boots. His adventures took him across the globe accompanied by Barbara and other close friends. He was a true family man, spending time with his daughters and grandchildren in Boise and Long Beach. He was generous with his time and skills, volunteering with his wife, and rowing club, and hosting numerous websites for local organizations and candidates. Jerry is survived by his wife Barbara (Apffel) Pierce, his daughters Andrea (Pierce) Koenig and Amanda Pierce, their spouses Martin Koenig and Melissa Lopez, and his grandchildren Miles and Analiese Koenig and Waverly Pierce-Lopez, his sisters Linda (Pierce) Picciotto and Janet (Pierce) Self, and a global community of engineers. Jerry is remembered by his family, friends, and the community of explorers he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests taking a walk in nature or volunteering in your community in his honor.