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Gerald Joseph Komisar, fondly known as Jerry, passed away on April 6, 2026, at the age of 84. He lived a life defined by dedicated public service, global engagement, and unwavering integrity, empathy, and quiet strength.
Jerry began his life of service in the United States Navy, where he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese. After completing three years of honorable service, he went on to attend Columbia University, earning a degree in East Asian Studies.
Jerry devoted 31 distinguished years to the Central Intelligence Agency’s Clandestine Service. He began his career with a focus on China, serving as a Chinese-language interpreter and translator while producing political and economic analyses on China and Taiwan. His work took him and his family around the globe.
Between overseas postings, Jerry held several senior roles at CIA Headquarters, including serving on the board responsible for overseeing the production of the President’s Daily Brief. He concluded his CIA career as Director of the Crime and Narcotics Center.
After retiring from the CIA in 2000, Jerry continued to apply his expertise in the private sector. He joined AIG, where he provided risk analysis and assessment services for nine years. In 2012, he became part of Starr Companies, contributing to the production of executive intelligence briefs and security assessments in support of the company’s operations and clients.
Even in retirement, Jerry remained deeply committed to service. He concluded his professional journey as President of the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, where he worked tirelessly to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen agents. He approached this role with compassion and dedication, making a personal effort to know each recipient’s story and to honor the sacrifice of their loved ones.
His family was always his first priority, and he loved them deeply and unconditionally. He made sure they were always cared for, taking great pride in providing for them and cherishing every moment spent together.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Marie; his son, Chris, and his fiancée, Portia; his daughter, Cyndi, and her husband, Colin; and his stepdaughter, Kristine. He was a proud and cherished grandfather to five grandchildren—Nicholas, Christian, Madeline, Colin Jr., and Kendall—and three step-grandchildren, Makenzie, Jordan, and Ethan.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the CIA Officers Memorial Fund. Please click on the following link to made a donation. https://www.ciamemorialfoundation.org/ways-to-give