Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Joseph Griswold

The man, the myth, the legend- the great "instigator" as described by his friends--- Jerry was so many things to so many people. We love him and will miss him so much. After a short battle with cancer, he's moved on to the next adventure. Here, in this space, we'd love to have friends and family honor him however you'd like (memories, stories, messages, photos are welcome here & video tributes welcome via Tribute link below).

Jerry was born in 1947 in Havre, Montana to Joyce and Virgil Griswold. He grew up in Seattle as the oldest of 5 siblings and later moved to the East Coast for his graduate studies (in New York, Connecticut and post-graduate work in the Boston area). In 1980, he moved to San Marcos, CA with his wife, Linda, daughter, Breca and son, Colin. He worked as an English Professor (in the Children's Literature Department) at San Diego State University for over 35 years. He was a proud Irish (-American) Catholic who spoke Spanish fluently with family and others. He practiced Zen meditation for years. He loved reading, writing, traveling, music, water guns, the beach, going on bike rides, good food and drink, and spending time with his family (especially with his grandson). He was an accomplished author and dedicated intellectual. He was clever and quick-witted- and could make anyone laugh (and then make them wonder if he was joking or not- in his own unique way). He was progressive with his politics and believed deeply in causes that move us toward a more equitable society- especially ones related to education, social services, health care access, environmental protection, anti-racism and human rights.

He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law and great friend, Raul Lopez Prida (2020), his mother Joyce Phelan Griswold (2011 ), his beloved son, Colin Rodriguez Griswold (2005), and his father Virgil H. Griswold (1997). He is survived by his wife, Linda Rodriguez Griswold, daughter Breca R. Griswold Mariscal, son-in-law, Salvador G. Mariscal, grandson Itzák C. Mariscal, his 4 siblings (and their families), his 2 sisters-in-law (and their families), numerous cousins, and friends that are family.

-Services are tentatively planned for Summer 2023 in San Marcos, CA (Catholic Funeral Mass, Internment of Ashes, and Celebration of Life)

-To leave a video message or tribute- https://www.tribute.co/jerry-j-griswold/

-In lieu of flowers, we kindly suggest donations to either the Elizabeth Hospice https://elizabethhospice.org/donate-now/ or Teri Inc. https://give.teriinc.org/give/406273/#!/donation/checkout

-For Jerry's works on Medium- https://jerrygriswold.medium.com/