Jerry Ash, who helped lead Sam Ash Music from a small local music store in Brooklyn into a nation-wide brand, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Jerome Ash was born in Brookyln, NY in 1925. As a young man, Jerry started playing piano, but after a few summers performing in the Catskills Mountain Region, he decided to pursue other endeavors. A few years later, Jerry was drafted into the US Army and proudly served his Country during World War II. Jerry rarely talked about his own experiences during the war as he preferred to hear the experiences of his friends, family, and customers. After returning from Europe, Jerry graduated from the City College of New York with a degree in Chemistry. Shortly after graduating, Jerry would officially join the family business started by his parents, Rose and Sam Ash. Through hard work, business insight, idealism, a wonderful way with people, and determination, Jerry and his brother, Paul, guided Sam Ash Music to incredible heights, setting a high standard for all music retail stores and beyond. Jerry's innovative spirit helped Sam Ash become one of the first music stores to adopt synthesizers and recording equipment. Jerry saw potential in both the people and the products they made, becoming an instrumental force in helping now legendary brands like Yamaha, Ibanez, Tama, and PRS gain their initial exposure.
To some, it might seem that his proudest achievement was the business he built. But if you knew Jerry at all, you’d know that his greatest joy was his family. He loved talking about his large family. He is survived by his devoted younger sister Marcia, his 3 sons, David, Richard, and Sammy (and their lovely wives); 9 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. David, Richard, and Sammy followed Jerry into the family business, maintaining the ideals and company culture that defined their father’s success. Several of Jerry's grandchildren currently hold key positions at the company, while others have found great success in law and technology. Let's not forget his brother Paul, who passed in 2014, and his late wife, Bernice who managed the printed music departments until passing away in 2020.
Jerry Ash was more than a husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of kindness, whose legacy will continue to inspire us all.
We will miss you and carry on your legacy. Rest easy, Jerry Ash.
Jerome Ash was born in Brookyln, NY in 1925. As a young man, Jerry started playing piano, but after a few summers performing in the Catskills Mountain Region, he decided to pursue other endeavors. A few years later, Jerry was drafted into the US Army and proudly served his Country during World War II. Jerry rarely talked about his own experiences during the war as he preferred to hear the experiences of his friends, family, and customers. After returning from Europe, Jerry graduated from the City College of New York with a degree in Chemistry. Shortly after graduating, Jerry would officially join the family business started by his parents, Rose and Sam Ash. Through hard work, business insight, idealism, a wonderful way with people, and determination, Jerry and his brother, Paul, guided Sam Ash Music to incredible heights, setting a high standard for all music retail stores and beyond. Jerry's innovative spirit helped Sam Ash become one of the first music stores to adopt synthesizers and recording equipment. Jerry saw potential in both the people and the products they made, becoming an instrumental force in helping now legendary brands like Yamaha, Ibanez, Tama, and PRS gain their initial exposure.
To some, it might seem that his proudest achievement was the business he built. But if you knew Jerry at all, you’d know that his greatest joy was his family. He loved talking about his large family. He is survived by his devoted younger sister Marcia, his 3 sons, David, Richard, and Sammy (and their lovely wives); 9 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. David, Richard, and Sammy followed Jerry into the family business, maintaining the ideals and company culture that defined their father’s success. Several of Jerry's grandchildren currently hold key positions at the company, while others have found great success in law and technology. Let's not forget his brother Paul, who passed in 2014, and his late wife, Bernice who managed the printed music departments until passing away in 2020.
Jerry Ash was more than a husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of kindness, whose legacy will continue to inspire us all.
We will miss you and carry on your legacy. Rest easy, Jerry Ash.
