Deceased September 2, 2023
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In Memory
One of the most beloved members of our class, Jay “Jerry” Calvert died on Sept. 2, 2023. Jerry was from Darien, Conn. He possessed a gift that enabled him to become close friends with a wide spectrum of our classmates from his DKE fraternity brothers to the denizens of the Frost Library to the athletic fields as a member of the undefeated 1967 lacrosse team. Jerry’s gift of sociability combined with intelligence and strong work ethic led to his successes after Amherst. After graduating from the University of Virginia law school, he became a rising star at prestigious Morgan, Lewis, and Bockius in Philadelphia and eventually became the global firm’s first full-time managing partner.
At Amherst, he was a dorm proctor with Scott Searl ’67 whose girlfriend (and present wife) Margie Barkin introduced Jerry to Ann Eberly (Smith ’69). Ann became Jerry’s lifelong love, best friend and wife of 54 years. Together they contributed to the betterment of the world through volunteer work with many organizations. He was a class agent and officer for the Class of 1967. He was chairman of the board of the Philadelphia Zoo for more than 10 years. Tony, the rhinoceros, would smile whenever he heard Jerry’s voice. Jerry’s love of animals began at an early age at his grandfather’s farm. As an adult, he herded cattle on summer vacations in Montana and established a second home on a working farm in New Hampshire.
His greatest challenge came when he was diagnosed with the often-fatal idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In 2018, he underwent bilateral lung transplants and was able to enjoy five meaningful years with friends and family but then died suddenly from a heart attack at his beloved farm.
He is survived by Ann, three daughters and seven grandchildren. His life was a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Scott Searl ’67, Dave Dembe ’67, Ann Calvert, Mike Boxer ’67 and Kit Kaufman ’67