Dr. Gerald Tadao Kondo

Doctor Gerald Tadao Kondo, "Gerry" to most, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 5, 2024 with his wife Vicki at his bedside.

Gerald was born on December 30, 1950 to George Takashi Kondo and Ayako Alice (Tagami) Kondo in Fowler, California. He attended Fresno State University and went on to receive his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the prestigious Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. After dental school, Gerry settled in Aptos, California to raise two precious daughters - Leah Von Pervieux and Brooke Kondo Rains, DDS. He built a thriving dental practice in Watsonville where his patients and staff became his family for over 40 years.

He was active in the community through his many years of leadership in the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, Japanese American Citizens League, Rotary International, and the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. In 1990, he co-founded Kokoro no Gakko, a Japanese cultural youth program in Watsonville, which is still thriving. He was personally dedicated to provide access to health care to all patients who required it; organizing local dentists and organizations to provide pro-bono dental work through the Dental Affinity Program, sending medical supplies for the Rotary Peru project, and volunteering as a supervising doctor for a dental student mission trip to Moala Fiji are just a few examples of his resolve for improving the quality of life for others.

After many years of fully committing his life to raising his daughters, serving his community, working tirelessly at his dental practice, and being a caregiver for his mother, he was blessed to marry Vicki Belkin-Kondo. With his marriage, he lovingly expanded his family with Tamara, Aron, Adar and Saadiah.

Gerry and Vicki enjoyed traveling together, hosting elaborate parties, organizing Giants tailgates, and attending events with Temple Beth El and their Havurah. He was an avid Bay Area sports fan and held season tickets for many years for the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers. His favorite pastime was fly fishing and he would even tie his own flies for his many fishing trips with friends, family or noteable with "The Boys."Gerry was always humble about his many accomplishments, but he was always proud to share stories about his children and grandchildren's latest achievements. His kindness and passion for living life to its fullest will be remembered and unequaled.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents–George, Alice, and Bill, as well as his brother Robert Kondo. He is survived by his wife Vicki Belkin Kondo, children Leah (Tony) Von Pervieux, Brooke (Chris) Rains, Tamara Belkin, Aron Halil, Adar (Laura) Halil and Saadi (Gabriela) Halil, his 9 grandchildren (Takeo, Makenna, Edward, Lily, Layla, Zosia, Maverick, Aria and Zion), aunt Kikue Horikawa, sister-in-law Ann Kondo, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple on September 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerry's honor to:

Community Health Trust of the Pajaro Valley

85 Nielson Street

Watsonville, CA 95076

Kokoro no Gakko

P.O. Box 2063

Freedom, CA 95019

Non-Profit Tax ID #77-0381616

Published in The Pajaronian · July 24, 2024