Gerald “Jerry” Schweibel, 93, of Tenafly, New Jersey, formerly of Williamsville, New York, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026.
Jerry grew up in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. For 60 inseparable years, he shared his life with his beloved wife, Sandra, who passed in 2017. Together they built a family rooted in love and connection: their children Robin and Alan Miller of Tenafly, NJ, and Howard and Michelle Schweibel of Wayne, NJ; grandchildren Danielle and Robert, Benji and Kaylee, Melissa, Douglas and Marisa, Darren, and Drew; and great-grandchildren Lily, Sophie, Vivienne, and Margot. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Norman Kurlander and his wife Nancy of Boca Raton, Florida. Jerry was cherished by extended family and many dear friends. His kindness, warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched countless lives.
A graveside service was held on April 28, 2026, at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Gerald and Sandra Schweibel Foundation or Temple Emanu-El of Closter - two organizations that enriched Jerry’s life, especially in his later years.
Jerry was truly one of a kind - a charismatic, athletic, and handsome man whose popularity was matched only by his humility. He often joked that he was the second-fastest person in Buffalo each year in HS. A standout athlete, he excelled in football, basketball and track. Jerry played in the famous Bennett-Kensington football game on October 21, 1948, which drew a record-breaking crowd of over 50,000 spectators (in a 36,500 seat stadium…you can look it up) - still the largest attendance for a high school football game in New York State history.
He met Sandy while attending the University of Buffalo. She was a student at Buffalo State College. They met during the “Yom Kippur Kaper Dance” in the fall of 1955 and were married on Mother’s Day in 1956 - a partnership that would last a lifetime. Jerry worked in his family’s business, Schweibel’s Meat Market, eventually taking over from his father. Known as “the kosher butcher’s handsome son,” he was admired both for his athletic achievements and his charm. He was inducted into the Bennett High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, surrounded by Sandy, his children, and grandchildren.
Over the years, Jerry wore many hats - literally and figuratively. After selling the meat market, he purchased Dad’s Cookies and later invested in Pleasures & Pastimes, a precursor to Michael’s craft stores. His passion for horses led him to own harness horses and eventually brought him into television, where he hosted “Night at the Races.” His charisma and enthusiasm made the show a local favorite, and for a time it became the highest-rated cable program in Buffalo. Whether on screen or in person, Jerry had a way of making everyone feel welcome and included. While doing the show, he was asked to be interim General Manager of Buffalo Raceway. That temporary job lasted 15 years. Jerry made it an event to go to the track. Weekends were sellouts only because of his hard work.
Family was always at the center of Jerry’s life. He took immense pride in the accomplishments and milestones of his children and grandchildren - celebrating graduations, marriages, and births with genuine joy. When Robin and Howie moved to New Jersey, Jerry and Sandy followed to remain close to their growing family. His greatest joy was becoming a great-grandfather to 4 beautiful great-granddaughters, with whom he cherished every moment.
Sports are a religion in the Schweibel/Miller/Garcia households because of Jerry. Bills games are events that everyone has to be a part of, and planning the menu is even more important. The holiest day of the year is the Saturday after Thanksgiving - OSU vs UM. Jerry has kids on both sides of the ball, and he only would root for the underdog (or who Granddaughter Melissa was rooting for). He loved it. Daily calls to everyone (not even family) for reviews of the Yankees and Knicks games were included. Hearing him ask his phone “what time is the Knicks game?” was a constant occurrence when with him. He bet games with all the kids, but he marveled how smart Danielle was with the long-term bets she placed with him.
After Sandy’s passing in 2017, Jerry found renewed purpose and community at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, where his daughter is a past President and Board Member. Known affectionately as “Grandpa Jerry,” “Mr. Bubbles,” or “Grandpa Bubbles,” he became a beloved presence among children and staff alike. He spent his days bringing smiles to preschoolers, offering encouragement to staff, and connecting with everyone he met. He also became a regular at All Lacrosse (the store run by his son and grandson), where he formed lasting friendships. Jerry had a rare gift - he made people feel seen, valued, and loved.
Jerry passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and deep human connection. He had an extraordinary ability to brighten a room and lift the spirits of those around him. Though he is deeply missed, his presence lives on in the many lives he touched and in the family he adored so deeply.
