Gerald Polis Obituary

Gerald D. Polis DEL MAR, CA - JANUARY 11, 1941 to FEBRUARY 7, 2023 Gerald D. Polis (Jerry), 82, of Del Mar, California died on February 7th of a traumatic brain injury when hit by a cyclist near Torrey Pines. Mr. Polis was a graduate of the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, and was on the Dean's List, Captain of the Varsity Basketball team, and was elected Senior Class President. He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1965. He served as a Captain, Judge Advocate from 1965-1969 in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam and received the bronze star for meritorious service. Mr. Polis had a notable career as both Deputy District Attorney and later as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Riverside, California, for over 30 years, before retiring from the law in 1999 and moving to Del Mar. He was married to his first wife, Bonnie Shenkarow, for 25 years until her death at 52. They had two children, Lindsay and Kevin. The most important job and the one he relished most was being a devoted and loving husband to his second wife, Beth; his children; and two grandchildren, Savannah and Benjamin. They took every opportunity to walk, golf regularly and travel the world. He was always interested in learning more about a friend or stranger and had an incredible wit and sense of humor. He was always present for everyone, whether for graduations, birthdays, and when loss took members of family or friends. He was a generous philanthropist and believed in "paying it forward" as a way to demonstrate his gratitude for the help he received along the way. He established a teaching scholarship in Bonnie Polis' name in Riverside and two endowments at the College of Charleston with wife, Beth. There will be a Celebration of Life in the near future. He is survived by his wife, Beth of 22 years; daughter. Lindsay; son, Kevin (Cindi); and grandchildren, Savannah and Benjamin in San Diego; and sister, Faye Polis Seigel of Charleston, SC, and many nieces and nephews. Donations in his memory can be made to either the Gerald and Beth endowed scholarship or the Gerald D. Polis family Veterans scholarship at the college of Charleston . Link:https://giving.cofc.edu/ways-to-give/ Type Polis in search field. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston