Gerald "Jerry"

Tassa

Gerald Michael “Jerry” Tassa, 76, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Jerry was born on July 2, 1950, in Washington, D.C., to the late Gerald and Ruth Tassa. Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Prall Tassa; his two children, Kristen (Michael) Brewster of Roswell, Georgia, and Jerry (Jamie) Tassa of Nashville, Tennessee; and his five grandchildren, Caroline Brewster, Cassidy Brewster, Cameron Brewster, Pierce Tassa, and Raleigh Tassa.

Jerry attended Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, and was an accomplished baseball player in his youth. He was drafted three times in the MLB Draft: first in 1968, out of high school, by the Baltimore Orioles; again in 1969 by the Washington Senators; and in 1970 by the Baltimore Orioles while attending Wingate University, where he was an All-American pitcher. Jerry ultimately chose to prioritize his education and graduated from Appalachian State University.

Jerry married Donna in 1972 and they moved to Georgia. He built a career as a hardworking salesman in the insurance industry. One of Jerry’s greatest gifts was his ability to make everyone he met feel as though they had known each other for years. He retired from Southwest Business Corporation in 2015 and turned his attention to what mattered most to him: his family.

Jerry took great pride in his grandchildren. He was lovingly known as Papa to Caroline, Cassidy, and Cameron, and as PeePaw to Pierce and Raleigh. Whether volunteering at swim meets, cheering from the sidelines, taking them on beach trips, fishing off the pier, playing Wii, ping-pong, or backyard wiffle ball, or enjoying a friendly wager at the pool table, Jerry was always their biggest fan. He never missed an opportunity to make memories with them, and the love he shared will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

In retirement, Jerry could often be found on the golf course, at the beach, or traveling the world with Donna. Most recently, Donna and Jerry had the opportunity to travel to Sydney and attend the Australian Open tennis tournament.

At the family’s request, no public service or gathering will be held. Friends and loved ones are invited to share memories in the online guest book or send a card to the family through Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia. Your thoughts and remembrances will be the greatest tribute to Jerry and the life he shared with those he loved.