Jerry Frank Lovarov

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved Uncle, Jerry Frank "Coach" Lovarov. Uncle Jerry entered the Golden Gates of Heaven on October 2, 2023 at the age of 94. Jerry was a lifetime resident of San Pedro, born on July 1, 1929 to his adoring parents Jerry Orlov Lovarov and Jelica "Beban" Lovarov who were expecting Jerry on their long journey from Yugoslavia.

Jerry had one sibling, a brother, Frank Lovarov, whom he watched over with great care as they grew up and explored all the fine treasures of their beloved town. Jerry started working very early on by picking green beans in the fields along the coast, selling newspapers on the corners of downtown and by shining shoes for the men getting off of the ferry, to earn a few pennies to add to the family money jar.

Jerry was always kind, considerate and soft spoken. He attended Barton Hill and Mary Star Elementary schools. He was also an altar boy at Mary Star. He continued on to Dana Jr. High School where he served as Student Body President. He attended San Pedro High School where he participated in Baseball, Basketball-making third team All-City his junior year and he was a member of the Knights. He graduated from SPHS Winter class of 1948. Jerry went on to attend Compton Junior College receiving his AA in 1950, UC Santa Barbara receiving his BA in 1952 and Long Beach State College where he took advanced classes until 1953. Jerry worked various jobs including stock boy, cannery worker at Star Kist, Todd's Shipyard, Lumber yard, and Longshoring. Throughout his life having both a Real Estate and Brokers License. After College Jerry went on to work for the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks as a Chief Director in 1953. He heard that there was an opening for a teaching position at SPHS and he jumped at the opportunity. He began teaching at SPHS in 1954. Jerry taught many subjects but is widely recognized for his Driver's Ed and Training classes in which he taught multiple generations of family members how to drive including his Sister-in-Law and nieces and nephews. Jerry also started coaching basketball, swimming and baseball at SPHS in 1954. These sports were his passion and he poured his heart and soul into every aspect as a coach. Jerry had many successes especially as a Varsity Baseball Coach. His teams advanced twice to the City finals winning the Championship played at Dodger Stadium in 1992. Jerry retired in 1999 but was asked back to coach J. V. Basketball until 2003 giving him a 49 year career with SPHS.

For all of his successes Jerry has received many Honors including, City Coach of the Year, South Bay Coach of the Year, Boys Club "Man of the Year" 1992. Jerry was inducted into the San Pedro Sports Walk in 1997 and the San Pedro High School Hall of Fame in 2014.

Jerry was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 966, Dalmatian American Club, Croatian American Club, and the San Pedro High School Boosters Club in which he served as President and then Treasurer until his death. Throughout his life Jerry enjoyed playing golf, bowling, gardening and dancing. Boy how he could cut a rug! He loved being with family and home cooked meals. We loved every visit with Uncle Jerry, the knowledge he would share was fascinating.

Most of all Jerry was an amazing, loyal and loving Son, Brother, Uncle and friend who will never be forgotten by those that have had the honor of knowing him.

Jerry is predeceased by his Father, Jerry Orlov Lovarov, Mother, Jelica "Beban" Lovarov, Brother, Frank T. Lovarov, Sister-in-law Corinne Lovarov and Nephew-in-law Frank "Smokey" Miladinovich.

Jerry is survived by his Nieces and Nephews, Julia Miladinovich, Frank A. Lovarov, Desiree (Kenny) Atkins, Rex Lovarov; Great-nieces and nephews, Shawn Miladinovich, Amber (Brent) Weber, Kyle Atkins, Amanda Atkins, Jake Miladinovich; Great-great niece Blaire Weber and Great-great Nephew Bryce Weber.

Services will be as follows:

Green Hills Memorial Park: Viewing in Chapel-Sunday, October 22, 4:30-8:30 pm, Mass at Mary Star of the Sea Church-Monday, October 23, 10:30 am, Graveside service and Interment to follow procession to Green Hills. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: The SPHS Pirates Booster Club, 1001 W. 15th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 or the Dalmatian-American Club: building fund, 1639 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, CA 90731