Obituary of Jerry Bryan – Virginia Beach (1958-2024)

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 grew up with his siblings Christl, Darrell and Jack in Virginia Beach.

After graduating from Cox High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. After his military service, he attended Virginia Tech and 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 renowned restaurants in both New York City and Santa Monica. He then returned to Virginia Beach to bring everything he had learned to his hometown.

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

During a chance encounter 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 fought multiple myeloma with fierce tenacity for nine years, continually teaching those around him what it meant to live each day to the fullest.

The family would like to thank 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 staff who provided loving and expert care granted.

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