GERALD MARVIN KATZ

Gerald Katz died April 26, 2024 of cancer; he was a husband, brother, uncle, step-dad. He was a
solar expert, alternative energy advocate, hard worker and inventor.
The youngest of 4 children of Louis and Cecile Katz he was born and grew up in Riverside, CA.
Gerald attended Jefferson elementary, Ramona High and California State University San
Bernardino. He was always interested in fixing things, be it cars or machines, and was always
interested in all types of alternative energies and saving the planet.
Gerald met his wife Sharon in Fairmount park at a peace rally. He helped parent her two kids
Sean and Danielle. Gerald and Sharon were married in Perris where he built a rammed earth
house where they lived for 36 years utility free which was ironic because he began working for
the city of Colton electric department and tried to save customers money on utility costs. He
retired after 20 years leaving many trusted friends there.
After retirement he continued his interests at home inventing many weeding drills, solar stills
and even hydrogen energy producing ideas. Keeping his solar/battery system was a hard job and
only he knew how it worked. He observed religious holidays and believed everyone needed a
day of rest each week. He was involved in politics and was in a group dedicated to low cost
housing and the Salton Sea project for desalination. Gerald loved tools and was Harbor Freight’s
best customer. He loved to dance and was happiest at home but took trips to Mexico, Belize and
Alaska. He loved cats and will be sorely missed by Mia. He often wore an elegant white hat. As
his illness progressed he spent all of his time talking to friends and family. Gerald is survived by
his wife (Sharon) his children Sea, Cait, Danielle, (Bret) his granddaughters Emily, and
Nicole sister Rosalie brother Ken and numerous nephews nieces and great nephews
nieces. He is predeceased by his brother Aaron, sister Ina parents Louis and Cecil.

Service will be on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 9:30 am at Temple Beth El, Riverside, California

Graveside service will follow at Olivewood Memorial Park at 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers in memory donations can be given to the American Cancer Society or to your favorite planet saving charities (ex. NRDC, or The Nature Conservancy).

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

©Akes Family Funeral Homes

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