Jerome (Jerry) Spector

Passed away at home in Mequon, WI on December 12, 2015 at the age of 75.

Jerry was born and raised in Milwaukee. He was the son of the late Hyman and Lilly Spector and is survived by his wife Dianne (nee Kohlenberg), son Brian and daughter Cindy. Daughter Karen predeceased him. He is also survived by Kenny Saintville and Santa Edwards Spector and grandchildren Emma and Benjamin Spector, Levi and Lucie Spector Saintville and brother, Dr. Jack (Beverly) Spector.

Jerry was a graduate of the University of WI-Madison School of Pharmacy. He owned Valuecare Pharmacy on Forest Home Avenue for 23 years and sold his store in 2000. In 1990, Jerry cofounded Pharmacy Buying Group of America (PBGA), a cooperative buying group to help independent pharmacies compete in a challenging market. During the 25 years Jerry served as president, PBGA grew to 400 member pharmacies in 6 states. Under his leadership, PBGA took an active role in state politics to protect and sustain independent pharmacies. A natural leader, Jerry was typically elected to lead the organizations he favored. From BBYO in high school, to Phi Sigma Delta fraternity at UWM, from the Fox Point-Bayside School Board to national Pharmacy groups, Jerry’s intelligence, wisdom and common sense drew people to him. Jerry’s legacy will live on through the students who benefit from his generosity at the University of Wisconsin.

For over 53 years, Jerry and Dianne were a team, weathering storms and sunshine with everlasting love for each other and love for and commitment to their children and grandchildren. Queenie and Ben Weesen, Ian, Isis, and Izik became family, caring for Jerry with remarkable love and humor. He also received loving care from Ann, Peony, and Rosita.

In honor of Jerry’s lifelong career and his interest in how nutrition affects our health, UW-Madison’s School of Pharmacy and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will collaborate on specific projects related to nutrition and wellness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the University of Wisconsin Foundation, The Jerome and Dianne Spector Healthy Living Fund, c/o Jodi Wickham, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53726.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 14th, at 1PM at Congregation Shalom, 7630 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Fox Point, WI. Burial will follow at Anshai Lebowitz Cemetery, 326 South Hawley Road, Milwaukee.

Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home
4750 North Santa Monica Boulevard    (414) 964-3111

https://old.goodmanbensman.com/obit/jerome-jerry-spector/