Jerry Fuchs

We received news early this morning that one of Terry's closest friends died. 

This was that rare kind of friend that you never saw as much of as you really wanted.  He passed through Atlanta too quickly when he'd visit family for a night or to play a show while on tour. 

He laughed a lot.  He was funny, but he always made you feel like you were the comedian, with his loud infectious laugh. 

He always asked questions about our family and he always listened.  He always seemed interested, which is a rare quality.  Especially by someone who had so many stories of his own to share.

He was also one of the most talented musicians that Terry and I have ever known.

I occasionally saw him live (someone had to stay home with the kids while the other half went to see Maserati, or !!!, or Juan Maclean, or Turing Machine).  But the few times that I did, I was blown away.  He always looked as if he were on the verge of a heart attack as he powerfully and yet gracefully beat his drums like Animal.  I was as equally impressed with his endurance as I was with his talent. 



We met Jerry 6 or 7 years ago, not long after meeting Adam, Jerry's little brother and Terry's best buddy.  Terry and Adam hit it off immediately as kindred music and design spirits.  Years of working together, then watching him fall in love and get married, and then have a beautiful baby girl, we've become nothing short of family.  Adam is really like a brother to Terry, despite how tight Adam was with his real brother, and his two sisters.  It didn't take long before Jerry and Terry were like brothers too.  Their family has made a point to invite us to all family functions over the years, emphasizing that "we are ALL family!" over and over again.  Warmth radiates from these wonderful people.

Last night, Jerry and a friend were on a freight elevator on their way to a party in an old warehouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  When the elevator stopped between floors, the friend jumped to safety but Jerry's hoodie got caught on something and he fell down the shaft.

It's rare to hear Terry say that he loves another man, but he said it every time he was with Adam and Jerry.  Both of them.

Terry is sitting shivah (or the Gentile version) with Adam right now.  There is so much I want to say, so much running through my head, but all I can do is write how sad we feel... Jerry, you will be missed by so so many.  You were truly a gift to us.  Rest in peace.