Gerard James Tollefsen, known to all as Jerry, passed away on April 22, 2026, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, at the age of 80. He was born on July 6, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York.
Jerry spent the first 27 years of his life in New York before making Florida his home, where he built a life defined by service, leadership, and deep devotion to his family.
He served his country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Jerry dedicated nearly three decades to public service as a Miami Beach Police Officer, from 1973 until 2001 and rising to the rank of Major. After retiring from law enforcement, he continued his professional career in the private sector with Kent Security, where he served as President of the Government Division until his retirement in 2025.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Jayne; his sons, Gerard and Keith; his cherished grandsons, Eric and Dominick; his sisters MaryLouise and Karen; and his brothers, Andy and Eric. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loving grandfather.
Jerry found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He loved being out on his boat, “Jayne’s Addiction,” sharing laughs and making memories. He enjoyed a cold Miller Lite in good company, traveling the world with his wife and friends, and spending treasured time on Marco Island with his family. He liked golf—though, as he often joked, the feeling wasn’t mutual. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandsons, moments that will be forever cherished.
Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, strength, and unwavering support for those he loved. He was the greatest husband, father, and grandfather, and his presence brought comfort and joy to everyone around him.
He will be missed more than words can ever describe, but his legacy of love, laughter, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 7:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, located at 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
A Funeral Mass will take place the following day at 10:00 AM at Nativity Catholic Church, located at 5220 Johnson Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021.
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
Nativity Catholic Church
© 2026 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Darren Fixler
April 24, 2026, 8:42 pm
We are so sorry for your loss! He will be truly missed! The Fixlers are thinking of you guys at this time of loss!
Michael Braun
April 24, 2026, 10:11 pm
I will miss Gerry very much. He was truly one in a million
Glenn Hodges
April 24, 2026, 10:52 pm
My condolences to all of Jerry’s family and friends. He was a person of strong character with a quick wit and a calming demeanor. It was a pleasure working the bulk of my career in Miami Beach with him.
Samuel Gam, retired LT, MBPD
April 24, 2026, 11:36 pm
Strong leaders like you are the very reason I was drawn to serve with the Miami Beach Police Department. I was honored to serve with you and I appreciate and value your service and having the privilege to learn from you. You will always be remembered as a cops cop and a good man. May you rest in eternal peace.
Larrie Blasberg
April 25, 2026, 12:24 am
Jerry I am thinking about you remember all the fun we had and all the good lunches we had and what good friends we are. I hope you’re resting and the family is OK. I can’t make it up there as you know I don’t do the driving, but my heart will always be with you.
Your friend always
Larrie
Robert Richard Cebrat
April 25, 2026, 7:14 am
JERRYS FAMILY…
GREAT FRIENDSHIP AT PASADENA FIELD.. FEW OPTIMIST OF THAT ERA LEFT.. I’M 90 1/2.. HELLO WALLS.. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, JERRY..
BOB CEBRAT/FAMILY
Marmolejo's family
April 26, 2026, 3:18 am
My beautiful family, we love you and will keep the best times together in ours memories, one more angel with us. With love marmolejo’s family
Elaine & Joe Ciampa
April 26, 2026, 2:16 pm
Jerry, all the fun we had growing up. Hanging out at Franks candy store and 32Ave. Playing football, basketball, softball at 184park. Drinking at the Terrace Inn and dancing at the Club 25. After Vietnam, Elaine and I would pick you up
and go to Jones beach. Going to pre-canna before our weddings, and all the
weddings and special events. The laughter and fun we had, playing cards at Jr’s. You were a loyal and trusted friend and will be missed.
Andrew Tollefsen
April 26, 2026, 9:33 pm
He was the best brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend! We will miss him dearly.
Mike Putz
April 27, 2026, 8:31 am
Thanks for your leadership and friendship. We had a lot of fun. RIP
Richard Barreto
April 27, 2026, 12:58 pm
RIP Jerry. It was an honor to serve with such a smart, competent and compassionate individual. You were a great example for others to follow. You enjoyed the respect not only from your MPPD colleagues but from all our partners in the law enforcement community. Jane and family- you were everything to Jerry and your love and support had everything to do with how well he served. Thank you for sharing
Jerry with us. May God bless you all and keep you strong at this most difficult time.
Alan Solowitz
April 27, 2026, 2:45 pm
RIP Jerry. It was an honor to serve with you all those years. Your leadership will always be remembered. You always showed concern and compassion for those of us who worked with you. You never forgot that our mission was to keep the public safe no matter what. God bless you and your family.
Mike Mullaney
April 27, 2026, 3:53 pm
I was so sorry to read this note, as beautifully as it was written. His memory will be a blessing to his wonderful family.
Nilda Rentas
April 27, 2026, 10:09 pm
Our sincere condolences to the family. May Jerry rest in peace 🙏 ❤️🙏
Bill Ehler
April 28, 2026, 5:43 pm
Jayne, I am so deeply sorry. Jerry was a truly special person and I saw how much he loved and adored you. His memory will live on in all the love he shared with you and your family. Connie and I are here for you always.
Billy
Dave Knierim
April 28, 2026, 9:41 pm
To the Tollefsen family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying that you find peace.
Sincerely
Dave Knierim & Family
Steven A Gall
April 30, 2026, 11:55 am
Dear Tollefsen family,
We are sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the amazing obituary as I never got to meet Jerry, I now feel like I knew him.
I also understand where Gerard gets his inspiration and love for family and friends.
Condolences and prayers to your family .
Sincerely,
The Gall family and The Ram Group family.
John & Kim Millerick
April 30, 2026, 1:25 pm
Jayne and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jerry was the best. He was great to work with and for. I will always remember the third herd ! Spending time with you and Jerry on our boats and our Keys trips were so much fun. God bless you both. ❤️ John&Kim
Diana and Tom
May 2, 2026, 2:10 am
Jayne, Gerard, . Keith and family,
We’ve known Jerry since the early days of grammar school growing side by side through all the funny, unforgettable moments that come with it, By the time we reached high school one thing was already clear at Bayside Jerry wasn’t just well liked he was admired, Handsome, yes, easily the most handsome man in Bayside High but what truly set him apart was everything beneath the surface,
As a friend he was simply the best. – loyal steady and sincere. As a person he was incredibly smart and thoughtful and
grounded in his values. As a husband and family man as well as professionally he’ was a role model in every sense of the word,
Jerry isn’t just someone we knew for a lifetime – he’s someone who has made that time richer, warmer and more meaningful. We’re so fortunate to call him our life long friend and even luckier t to have grown up with some one who set such a high bar for what it means to be a good person, We will think of him often and truly miss him.