Jerry W. Bryan passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on March 8, 1958, to Walter (now deceased) and Betty Bryan and was raised with his siblings Christl, Darrell, and Jack in Virginia Beach.

After graduating from Cox High School, he enlisted in the US Army and served as a Paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his service, he attended Virginia Tech, then moved to New Jersey, where he discovered a new way to serve others through his passion for cooking. He began his culinary career training at numerous distinguished restaurants in both New York City and Santa Monica. He then returned to Virginia Beach to bring all that he had learned to his hometown.

In 1989, Jerry opened the renowned Coastal Grill and quickly gained recognition  for his unique menu, exacting standards, consistent quality and unparalleled service, which set a new standard for elevated dining in the Virginia Beach area and beyond. As an award-winning chef, he took pride in fine-tuning the dining experience for every patron. Jerry made Coastal Grill a home-away-from-home for so many in the local community for over 35 years.

At a chance meeting at LaGuardia Airport, he met his future wife, Tricia (Leahy), and they married in 1999. Together, they started their family with their two daughters, Erin and Hailee, and welcomed their son, Spencer, the following year. They enjoyed raising their children, growing their business, spending time with family and dear friends, and traveling the world together.

Jerry was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, father and husband. He was a generous friend, a gifted entrepreneur, an inspiring leader and a pillar of the community. He battled Multiple Myeloma with fierce tenacity for nine years and continuously taught those around him what it meant to live every day to the fullest.

The family thanks the ABMT Team at Duke University Medical Center, the CIT Team at VCU Health, Virginia Oncology Associates, Trinity Hospice, and especially Dr. Tom Alberico, Dr. Deepak Talreja, and their respected staffs who provided loving and expert care.

The family will hold a private remembrance ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Doctors Without Borders.