Obituary of Jon Jerry Steelsmith

Jerry Steelsmith passed away after a short illness, Saturday March 23, 2024 with his wife and daughters by his side. Born in Peoria, IL in 1935, his family moved to Southern, California when he was 5.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Alfred Roy and Beatrice (Lewis) Steelsmith and brother, Ray Steelsmith.

Jerry was a loving husband to his wife, Gayle for 63 years. He was a devoted father to his children, David (Heidi) Steelsmith, and daughters, Diane and Shannon (Bill Stankewicz) Steelsmith, and he was “Boppa” to Jonathon, Jacob and Julianne as well as being Uncle Jerry to Kim & Kelly.

When Jerry’s family moved to So. Calif., he took up the game of golf. The whole family played. The rest is his history! By 9 he held “Ripleys Believe It-or-Not” record for the youngest Hole-In-One. In 1955 he was the So. California Amateur and in 1956 he won the So. California Triple Crown, the Los Angeles City Amateur, and the Long Beach City Amateur.

In October 1956 Uncle Sam called. Poor Jerry was sent to serve at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While there, he won the Hawaiian Interservice Championship, and then the All-Army Championship. One of his great honors while in Hawaii was to play a round with President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In February 1961, he and Gayle were married, and within days packed the car and headed to Baton Rouge, LA to begin their life on the PGA Tour.  Jerry played 8 years. During that time, he had one second in 1961, 2 seconds and a third (by one stroke) in 1962, and a second in 1963 and again in 1964.

Jerry became the head pro at Bellevue Country Club in 1970 where he remained as the Golf Pro, Director of Golf and Pro-Emeritus until he retired.  He was at Bellevue for 36 years.  The Jerry Steelsmith Member-Member Tournament will be a lasting tribute to his memory. He taught many to play, helped many to improve, and made many friends. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Centers at St. Camillus for their compassion and care.  Especially the wonderful staff on the D Unit, they are dear to our hearts.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the PGA REACH CNY, a program to teach Juniors, Military and to bring inclusion to golf; C/O Central New York PGA, 5011 Jamesville Rd. Jamesville, NY 13078

In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, no services are scheduled.  “A Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.