Gerard ("Jerry") Robert Brost, 66, passed away unexpectedly, February 9, 2016.

Jerry was born to Zoe (Dreis) and Andrew Joseph Brost, Sr., on September 30, 1949, in Evanston, Illinois. He attended Essex Catholic High School in Newark, New Jersey, and graduated from Three Rivers High School, Michigan, Class of 1967.

He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, and did advanced graduate work at the University of Florida.

On October 18, 2005, he married Lucia Carvalho Gomes, and became Step-Father to Eric Gomes Palma, who was seven years old at the time.

Jerry worked for many years in licensed family therapy, mental health and addictions counseling, and behavior analysis. He developed a reading learning system based on a form of phonics, and published several books and manuals. He also received a number of awards and recognition for his work and ongoing educational endeavors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucia; his parents Andrew and Zoe, and a nephew Andrew J. Brost, III. He is survived by his step-son Eric, Mother-in-law Yoni Gomes, two sisters: Zoe Ann (Bill) Gordon and Mary Reck, two brothers: Andrew (Sheila) Brost Jr., and Mark (Mary) Brost, twelve nephews and nieces, and 15 grand nephews and nieces.

Per his wishes, he has been cremated. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, February 28, at University Unitarian Universalist Church, 11648 McColluch Rd., Orlando, FL. It will begin with a luncheon in Jerry's honor at noon, followed by the service, featuring special readings Jerry had prepared for the occasion. The ashes will be interred in St. Boniface Cemetery, Chicago, at a later date. A memorial service will also be held in Chicago at that time.