Jason Alan Gerardo, 45, from Phoenix, passed away in his sleep on April 3, 2018. He was born June 18, 1972. Jason was a loving and devoted father, unparalleled friend, dependable colleague, hilarious jokester and all around amazing person. Jason was warm, charming and quick with a smile. He had the innate ability to connect with people and place them at ease, always leaving them feeling good about themselves. Jason strongly believed his role in life was to have a positive influence on everyone he met. His family, friends and colleagues are heartbroken. Jason had a prolific tennis career. He achieved great success in competitive tennis from youth to adulthood. He taught, mentored and inspired hundreds of children and adults at all levels of sport. He was recognized as an accomplished leader in the Arizona tennis community. At the time of his death, Jason was the Head Tennis Professional and Academy Director of the Phoenician, Scottsdale. Besides tennis, Jason was also an accomplished singer/songwriter. He was a creative and thoughtful poet, blending his positive spirit seamlessly into his lyrics. Jason collaborated with many Phoenix artists and released professional EPs (Jason Gerardo, Unknown, Waking Up and 108 Beads) along with high quality music videos. He also enjoyed performing live at local music venues. He is survived by Ella Gerardo (daughter), Nancy Gerardo (mother), Shaun Gerardo (brother), Chris Gerardo (uncle), Carter Gerardo and Tessa Gerardo (cousins). He also leaves behind his best friends, David Weinzweig, Olivier Coscas and Mardi Johnson. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix.
Bill and Cate Campbell
Our deepest condolences to Jason’s family and friends. Jason taught me so much about tennis, but even more about life. He was such a kind and gentle soul, I never saw him show a hint of anger, impatience, or meanness. He loved music and lived his life without jealousy or hate. May he find peace and joy in the afterlife, and forever be with us through his beautiful spirit.
Pati Aranzaens
Although we only knew him a short while, my whole tennis group Tuesday evenings at the Phoenician sends their sincere condolences to all of Jason’s friends and family. Many in our group knew him well and some have said that Jason taught their children to play tennis, and that he was a very significant part of their lives.
Many, many blessings… Pati & Edwin Aranzaens