Jerry Gianoutsos Obituary

Jerry Gianoutsos, 81, of Morongo Valley, passed away surrounded by his adoring family, on June 13, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife and love of his life for 51 years, Marie (Patty); their three children, Dion Gianoutsos, Brigitte Valdez and her husband, Justin Valdez, and Sofia Gianoutsos; four grandchildren, Dax, Izabel, Jazelle and Lexi; sister, Aphrodite Gianoutsos; nephew and niece, Terry and Deena Kotsatos and families; as well as numerous others in his extended family.
Jerry the Greek was born on May 4, 1944, in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, to Spiros and Constance Gianoutsos (predeceased).
He earned a bachelor's degree in history from West Virginia University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Youngstown State University.
Jerry entered the U.S. Army as second lieutenant in Vietnam and rose to the rank of captain; he was awarded a Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.
While he was planning on making the military his career, his path took a different direction. He went to the horse races on one particular day and as he looked up, he saw a man with binoculars, one leg over the window ledge, and a cigar hanging from his mouth. "I made up my mind to find out what he did, asked around, then sneaked into the press box and introduced myself…." The rest is history as Jerry became the "trackman" (chart-caller) for Los Alamitos Race Course/The Daily Racing Form and happily worked the circuit for nearly 30 years. It was very exciting to see him in action when he would call the races.
Jerry met and married his soulmate, Marie, and they had three beautiful children. While still babies, he and mom moved their family from LA to the majestic and breathtaking Hi-Desert and made a wonderful life there.
Jerry also had passions for carpentry, remodeling homes, landscaping his yard and creating crossword puzzles. He was a prolific writer and composed the most beautiful and heartfelt poems and song lyrics and even wrote a screenplay. Articulate and well versed in politics, sports, world affairs and current events, Jerry was a brilliant, ambitious, hardworking and courageous man. Whatever he set his sights on he achieved. Facing many obstacles in his life including injuries and illnesses, he persevered and overcame each one; nothing stopped him in his tracks.
Jerry was held in high esteem by every person who was blessed to know him. His smile lit up a room and his laugh was contagious. His wit and anecdotes were loved by all. Faith in God, integrity, work ethic, respect, compassion, generosity and unconditional love and devotion to family were just some of the many values he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
He was very adventurous and loved taking family road trips, walks on the beach, bike rides and hikes with the dogs. Table tennis was one of his favorite hobbies and he held the champion title for two consecutive years in college. Music, singing and dancing were a part of life in the Gianoutsos household, as we were exposed to many genres and styles, from Doo-wop and Motown to Greek.
Jerry's pride and joy were his family. He poured his heart and soul into each and every one of us, and it was his life goal to make sure we all had the tools for success and were well taken care of. He accomplished his goal and though our hearts are broken without him, we will press on, living up to his legacy and holding dear the memories of a beautiful life lived with our daddy (husband and pappou), until we meet him again in eternity.