Gerald ‘Jerry’ Kernis
Longtime Denver restaurateur and nightclub owner, Gerald “Jerry” Kernis died on May 10, 2023. He recently turned 90. A service was held May 11 at Aish of the Rockies, officiated by Rabbi Yaakov Meyer, Rabbi Menachem Siderson and Rabbi Yechiel Erlanger. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Over his 50-year career, Mr. Kernis owned over 48 restaurants and nightclubs, employing as many as 600 people.
Mr. Kernis, born on April 30, 1953, grew up in Weissport, Pa., in the Lehigh Valley. He attended Marietta College of Ohio, and moved to Denver in the early 1960s where he initially worked in the scrap metal business and as a lineman before becoming an entrepreneur.
After dating for 16 years, Jerry and Linda Kernis were married on July 28, 1991 at the Brown Palace Hotel.
They remained a couple until Mr. Kernis’ passing.
“We traveled the world for the past 40 years,” said Mrs. Kernis. “We couldn’t go anywhere in the world without someone coming up to Jerry saying, ‘I worked for you.’
“He took so many people under his wing. Once touched by Jerry Kernis, one never forgets they have been blessed for life. He touched all who came to know him.”
Mr. Kernis was an avid fly and deep-sea fisherman. He also studied Jewish history with many rabbis and scholars.
Survivors are Mr. Kernis’ wife Linda; son Uri Kernis; siblings Sheila (Cyrus) Mager, Reva (Sol) Lubin and Peter (Karen) Cooper; sister-in law Becky Kimbley, brothers-in-law Mike Fahey and Jim (Mary) Fahey; 23 nieces and nephews and 39 great-nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to Aish of the Rockies or JFS.
Copyright © 2023 by the Intermountain Jewish News
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry.
Bruce & Melody Norton