Jerome J. Segal
November 28, 2018

SEGAL,  JEROME J. : Surrounded by family and loved ones, Jerry passed on November 28^th. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1929 and attended Roosevelt Elementary School. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1947. In addition to the standard curriculum, Jerry took “Saturday classes” that were awarded to students based on their artistic promise. One of his teachers was the famous Pittsburgh painter Samuel Rosenberg. He continued his education with a B.S. and an M.B.A from the University of Pittsburgh and added engineering classes. In 1951, Jerry joined the United States Army, serving on the front lines in Korea and rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Shortly after returning to the States in 1954, Jerry met and married Harriet Winikoff (Z”L). Over the next 5 years, they were blessed with three sons. In 1955 Jerry became the President of Dormont Manufacturing Company, a small pipe fabrication shop in Lawrenceville. In 1970, Jerry invented the first flexible stainless steel gas appliance connector. Subsequently, in 1972 – in collaboration with McDonald’s – he invented the first quick disconnect gas connector for the food service industry. Because his inventions improved the safety of all gas appliance installations, Jerry was recognized by the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dormont quickly became an industry standard: its products can be found in almost all commercial kitchens around the world. Jerry met his second wife, Dr. Monica Zettler-Segal, and they were together for 40 happy years. He became a step-father to her three children and the family continued to grow with spouses and grandchildren. They loved the crazy mayhem of a large, diverse blended family. From his first years, Jerry loved and dabbled in all forms of the visual arts. Although demands in college precluded any art courses, over the years he managed to perfect his pastel techniques, study metal sculpting and – almost daily – grab a pencil or colored pen and sketch something that caught his eye. After the sale of Dormont in 2006. Jerry created original oil paintings which depicted his own unique interpretations of photographs taken by the Hubble Telescope. In order to capture the special visual characteristics of the cosmos, Jerry decided to forego the traditional paint brush and use his fingers (encased in rubber gloves). As Jerry described his technique in an interview, “look at how much fun I was having, streaking through the heavens with my hands.” Jerry’s collection was on display at a series of exhibitions at the American Jewish Museum Gallery in the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh. Beyond his love of art, Jerry was an avid gardener (hosting several local summer garden tours), a devoted animal lover (adopting numerous rescue dogs and cats) and an adventurous traveler. He and Monica are the proud owners of a small historic Regent Square home that they renovated extensively. It now includes a studio with a two-story ceiling and a cozy library – both overlooking the park – and was the subject of an episode on HGTV. He was also the de facto Mayor of the JCC Men’s Health Club, playing billiards and kibitzing for hours with his dear friends. Jerry loved comedy and laughter, sharing his passion for Mel Brooks and Borscht Belt humor at any occasion. He was an ardent supporter of Israel, inspired by his first cousin (Jerry Inbar Z”L) who emigrated in 1950 and with whom he toured the country several times. Jerry is survived by his wife Monica, his three sons Dr. Eric (Karen), Dr. Lee (Susie) and Evan (Tracy), three step-children Deirdre O’Hearn (Tim Baldwin, Esq.), Steve O’Hearn (Dr. Demmler Schenk) and Dr. Kirsten O’Hearn (Dr. Eric Donny), eight grandchildren: Ben Segal (Feliz Molina), Jessica Segal, Tess Segal DePaula (Marcus), Ariel Segal Eck (Chris), Dr. Julia Segal, Jory Segal, Frances and Audrey Donny; his sister Esther Fuhrman (Bob), his good friend Maureen Williams and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerry is preceded in death (Z”L) by his parents (Harry and Lena Segal), his sister (Annette Wolfson), his first wife (Harriet) and his granddaughter (Emily Segal). Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Friday at 1 PM. Visitation two hours prior to services, (11 AM - 1 PM). Interment Homewood Cemetery. Shiva will be held at the Jewish Community Center, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 on Friday night (for one night only) from 6:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. www.schugar.com 

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Eric, My condolences to you, your entire family and anyone who knew your father. Over the years I had the opportunity on a couple of occasions to casually meet and talk with your dad, he was always upbeat and a delight of a man. After reading his obituary I realize he lead a wonderful life and left behind a magnificent legacy, I can only imagine the fond memories you will always have of him. Please know that my thoughts are with you. Michael

By Michael Paul - December 01, 2018

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Dear Aunt Mojica, We are thinking of you at the this time and remembering uncle Jerry, especially our good discussions about a variety of topics. We know how much he’ll be missed. Our love to you and your family! Jody and Rob

By Jody and Rob Ellis - December 01, 2018

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I remember the time my uncle Tim Baldwin introduced me to Jerry. He was kind, energetic and engaging. Although I was only at his Pittsburgh home briefly, I marveled at the large kitchen island that was a clear expression of the family’s welcoming nature. I also had the pleasure of being with my uncle a few times at Mon Amour. It was maybe a handful of days in my childhood but the magic of the house stayed with me. My sincere condolences for the loss of wonderful man.

By Hilary Baldwin Ruley - November 30, 2018

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I am thinking of all of you today as Jerry is laid to rest. As Monica’s sister, living far away, I knew Jerry only in tiny periods of time, when I visited. I think what I remember most was his bad jokes! Jerry and I had many interesting talks over the years about many subjects, some of them crossing the political divide. I am so glad that I visited last spring and had the chance to discuss things that were important to him, including death and dying. And I will forever appreciate his participation in giving my mom a home for 7 years. To Lee, Eric, and Evan, I know the hole in the universe that is created in losing a parent, and I send you and yours love and compassion. The thing to hold onto is that Jerry had a long, productive life, and his ability to enjoy it was huge. We should all be so lucky! And to my sister Monica, as well as Deirdre, Sean, and Kirsten, I send love, comfort and many hugs. Love, Mary Jo

By Jo Zettler - November 30, 2018

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Our prayers are with the Segal family for their loss of Jerry. A kind, smart and devoted man. We are all better having known him. He is creating works of art for the Lord. Peace to Jerry\\\'s family and close friends. Regards, The Hamm Family

By Jamie Hamm - November 30, 2018

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So very sorry for your loss. We met Mr.Segal at one of his garden tours. A very gentle giant. Prayers are with you and your family. (Maureen's friend and neighbor)

By Paul & Donna Marie Mularski - November 30, 2018

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Dear Grandpa Jerry, Although we all here In California have not met you personally, we have heard of your great accomplishments and charitable good deeds from our daughter Feliz and Ben Segal, our son-in-law. We missed you on their wedding here in Joshua, California and have looked forward to meeting you one day. Our Heavenly Father, however, in His divine love for you and Emily have willed it that you both come home to Him and share in that eternal Promised Land that we all, His children, look forward to one day . Rest In Peace Grandpa. You are family to us and will always keep you and Emily in our hearts. The Molina Family

By Frank and Lillian Molina ,Lawrence and Gem , Amelia, Austin , Azalea ( The Molina Family) - November 29, 2018

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Evan....My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. My memories of your father was that he was a very kind and quiet man. I never knew that he had so many interests. Very sorry for your loss. Sandy

By Sandy Sabados - November 29, 2018

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Evan and the Segal family, I am so sorry to hear of your lose. Evan , your farther was one of a kind. I remember coming to Dormont the very first time to visit and your father sat me down and lectured me about business and how to enjoy life while building a business . He and you help me to get started as an entrepreneur. I enjoyed Jerry candidness and humor. Such a great man! He will be missed. My condolences to you and your family. Howard Levine

By Howard Levine - November 29, 2018

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My deepest sympathies to the Segal family during this time.

By Mike Angus - November 29, 2018

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