Jeremiah “Jerry” George Semerad. Jr., 98, of Ocala, FL, passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 4, 2026. He was born on December 5, 1927, in Baltimore, MD to Jeremiah George Semerad, Sr. and Frieda Aurelia (Schmidt) Semerad.

Jerry attended Baltimore City College, Loyola College, John Hopkins University. He served in US Navy during World War II and was awarded the Victory Medal. He worked in sales, management and consulting in the marine special coatings industry. In 1991 his career took him to New Orleans.

While in New Orleans, Jerry was able to pursue his passion for his beloved trombone, playing music with the Frankie Mann Orchestra, Tommy Yetta Jazz Band, Jerry Christopher’s Big Easy Jazz Band, Warren Clark’s French Quarter Jazz Band, New Orleans Trombone Choir, American Legion Post 175 Band, and Cresent City Wind Symphony. He was asked to perform with Jimmy Dorsey, Jan Garbor, Guy Lombardo, Ray Charles, BJ Thomas, James Brown, the four Tops, Danny Thomas, Bill Medley, Tary Crosby, Bobby Rydell and frequently played in the New Orleans Jazz and French Quarter Festivals. After moving to Ocala, he performed with Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, Center Stage Dance Band and was the leader of the Jazzy Dixielanders.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Ann (Huber) Semerad, his sisters, Frieda Graf and Eleanore Fritzges.

He is survived by sons, Jay (Cheryl) Semerad of Adel, IA, Larry (Sandy) Semerad of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Bob (Janet) Semerad of Clarkston, MI, James (Susan) Semerad of Forest Hill, MD, daughter, Mary Ann(Marvin) Fisher of Marietta, GA, grandchildren, Corey Semerad, Austin Semerad, Brigitte Kurek, May Fisher, Ray Fisher, Sam Fisher, Caroline Semerad, great grandchildren, Zola Semerad, Margaux Semerad, Benson Kurek, Barrett Kurek, Berkleigh Kurek and Jack Fisher.

A visitation/celebration of Jerry’s life will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Hiers Baxley Funeral Services, 9695 SW 110th St in Ocala, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The funeral mass is Friday, March 13, 2026, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala at 12 noon. Private cremation burial services will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.