CRANSTON, R.I. – Jerome “Jerry” G. Biern, of Cranston, passed away Dec. 5, 2023, at Rhode Island Hospital after a brave battle against an aggressive blood cancer for the last year.
Born in White Plains, New York, a son of the late Sam Biern and the late Helen Zbar, he had lived in Cranston for many years where he enjoyed playing senior softball and tending to his various gardens. Jerry graduated from the University of Rhode Island, earning a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.
In taking after his father who was a famous button and accessories designer, Jerry established his early career model making and designing jewelry that was worn and loved worldwide. His entrepreneurial sense and passion for costume jewelry were harnessed to build a successful custom engraving business that he nurtured in his later years. Jerry was an advanced collector of high-end marbles. He was best known in the marble community for his thoughtfully curated collection of MF Christensen, transition and other rare handmade marbles.
Survivors include two loving daughters, Ariel Biern, of Providence, and Lyndsey Pachon and her husband, Jose, of Barrington; two grandsons, Lucas and Samuel Pachon; his companion, Joanne Gemma, of Johnston, and former spouse, Lauri (Lee) Biern, of Florida. He was the brother of the late Arnold Biern.