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Dr. Jesse M. Grygorfan Ph.D.

1953 - 2020

Dr.  Jesse M. Grygorfan Ph.D. obituary, 1953-2020, Chicago, CA

BORN

1953

DIED

2020

Jesse Grygorfan Obituary

Grygorfan, Ph.D, Dr. Jesse M. March 16, 1953 - January 24, 2020 San Diego - Dr. Jesse M. Grygorfan, Ph.D, affectionately called Dr. Jesse by his friends and patients, was born in Wallingford, England, March 16, 1953, son of Michael and Janet Grygorcewicz. He grew up together with his younger brother Andrew and his loving sister Theresa in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Jesse married to Liping in San Diego, California on December 7, 2002; (He was previously known as Dr. Jesse M. Grygorcewicz). Dr. Jesse passed away peacefully with his beloved wife by his side on January 24, 2020. Dr. Jesse developed polio at the age of three and has received his last rights three different times. He was in an iron lung for over a year to help him breath. He had double pneumonia and was given a tracheotomy. At the age of 8, he received a two stage spinal fusion, and he was placed in a body cast for a year. Despite all these physical and medical challenges, he pursued his education in Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, University of Texas at Austin and United States International University at San Diego. He was a straight A student and constantly he was on Dean's List. Dr. Jesse successfully practiced clinical psychology in San Diego since 1992. Dr. Jesse was happily married to his wife Liping for last 17 years. "Driven by our dreams, we reinvent new schemes, one constant through it all, is that love continues to call." a quote from Dr. Jesse's Anniversary Poem to his wife. Moreover, Dr. Jesse had passion for many things besides his practice. One of them was spending many wonderful afternoons at Del Mar race track with his friends but two in particular were a retired Doctor and a Superior Court Judge. Dr. Jesse's "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held on March 21, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lemon Grove United Methodist Church, 3205 Washington Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. For those who cannot attend, we welcome them to mail their stories and photos to Mrs. Grygorfan at 542 Tyrone Street, El Cajon, CA 92020. We want to collect all the wonderful stories about Dr. Jesse's love for life, the way he strove toward excellence, share them with the world he loved so much and inspire those who want to be inspired. "Rekindling the essence and the spirit, that is the promise of infinite and eternal life."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Susan Gottschalk

November 29, 2022

Dear Liping, I am so sorry for the loss of Jesse. I worked at Orfila Vineyards and I was always elated to see you both. Jesse was high on life and his kindness and intelligence was infectious. I wish you well. Susan Gottschalk

Scott Coffer

February 17, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Dr J was the smartest, coolest, and friendliest doctor I have ever met. To overcome such odds to excel in life (as he did), is a huge source of empowerment. Him and his wife (Liping),are the nicest and most gracious people. I love them both dearly. I send a heartfelt note of thanks on the anniversary of this wonderful human being. Thank you Dr and Liping Grygorfan.

Scott Coffer

May 11, 2020

He was a huge help in my life. I'll miss him dearly. There are no words to express how grateful I am for all the help he gave me. A one-of-a-kind. I'll always love and miss him.❤ R.I.P.

Liping Grygorfan

March 31, 2020

03/10/2020
My tribute to my beloved husband:
Dr. Jesse-my husband, my soul mate and my very best friend, I have been blessed by his love since we first met in a sunny afternoon in San Diego. 5 years later in the year of 2002, we were married. One special way of our communication was simply smiling. We smiled at each other in the morning. We smiled at each other when we were leaving our home to work. We smiled at each other when we discovered something new, and we smiled at each other when we conquered the impossible.
Jesse's favorite quote: I cannot wait for tomorrow, I get better by the day. For over 17 years of our married life together, my husband never went out one day without his wedding ring. He told me: I feel naked without my ring. Jesse has been told by many of his colleagues, friends, and even strangers that he was the best dressed doctor, the most insightful and understanding doctor. Patients often said that what took other doctors hours and hours, and got resolved by Dr. Jesse with a snap of the finger.
Jesse was always cheerful, humorous and inspiring, no matter where we were: hospitals, independent living facilities, nursing homes, concern halls, restaurants, racetracks and anywhere we went. People welcomed him with open hearts and open arms. He left his indelible imprint on everyone with his charming presence in this world he loved so much.
Jesse lived and loved with passion. His quote: Serendipity smiles upon two lucky people, a journey begins, commitment is the anchor and love is the compass. Life with Jesse was so much joy. I am blessed by his love and he brought out the best in me. I love him with all my heart and all my soul.


Mrs. Liping Grygorfan

Liping Grygorfan

March 31, 2020

To Liping and Friends of Dr. Jesse Grygorfan

I am glad you have gathered today to celebrate the life of our good friend. I regret that I am unable to be with you and Liping because of the present health concerns we are going through together.
I am a retired Superior Court Judge in San Diego County. Some 20 years ago, I was privileged to preside over a lawsuit brought by Dr. Jesse under the American Disabilities Act. He was represented by Attorney Daryl Mazzarella. I was able to secure a fair settlement for him.
Some years later, I was at the off-track wagering facility in Del Mar where I spotted Jesse and Liping. I learned that he had an interest in the horse races similar to mine. In a short time, we formed sort of a partnership to wager on the races. The way the partnership worked was I would take a percent of his tickets and he would take a similar percent in my tickets. Shortly thereafter, my other racetrack partner (horse player), a retired cardiologist, Dr. Selvyn Bleifer, joined our partnership. For the next 20 years, we continued our gambling interest both at the off-track facility and at Del Mar Race Track, where we were all members of the Turf Club.
Dr. Jesse would come to the Turf Club well-dressed in coat and tie. He and Liping would sit together and have a fine meal, usually with a bottle of wine.


Dr. Jesse and Liping had many friends at the Turf Club who would always come and visit. His table for two was usually very crowded at times.
I can tell you that this Summer, he and Liping will be sorely missed by his friends, the waiters and Matred (Jimmy).
You probably all wonder, Well, did these guys ever win at the races? The answer is yes and sometimes it would be a big win (Dr. Jesse's ticket). I remember a couple of years ago, Dr. Jesse won a pick 5 for $36,000. You should know that Dr. Jesse was also a good sport (win or lose) and always a true gentleman.
I gave him the nickname of Tiger because he was always a fighter, even with his physical and health problems.
I hope today you will all raise a glass and toast a true fighter.
God bless Dr. Jesse. Rest in Peace.


Judge Herbert B. Hoffman

Liping Grygorfan

March 31, 2020

03/10/2020
My tribute to my beloved husband:
Dr. Jesse-my husband, my soul mate and my very best friend, I have been blessed by his love since we first met in a sunny afternoon in San Diego. 5 years later in the year of 2002, we were married. One special way of our communication was simply smiling. We smiled at each other in the morning. We smiled at each other when we were leaving our home to work. We smiled at each other when we discovered something new, and we smiled at each other when we conquered the impossible.
Jesse's favorite quote: I cannot wait for tomorrow, I get better by the day. For over 17 years of our married life together, my husband never went out one day without his wedding ring. He told me: I feel naked without my ring. Jesse has been told by many of his colleagues, friends, and even strangers that he was the best dressed doctor, the most insightful and understanding doctor. Patients often said that what took other doctors hours and hours, and got resolved by Dr. Jesse with a snap of the finger.
Jesse was always cheerful, humorous and inspiring, no matter where we were: hospitals, independent living facilities, nursing homes, concern halls, restaurants, racetracks and anywhere we went. People welcomed him with open hearts and open arms. He left his indelible imprint on everyone with his charming presence in this world he loved so much.
Jesse lived and loved with passion. His quote: Serendipity smiles upon two lucky people, a journey begins, commitment is the anchor and love is the compass. Life with Jesse was so much joy. I am blessed by his love and he brought out the best in me. I love him with all my heart and all my soul.


Mrs. Liping Grygorfan

My husband, my soul mate and my very best friend

Liping Grygorfan

March 31, 2020

Conrad Wyszomirski

February 23, 2020

Jesse was one a kind. Intelligent, witty, etc., very smart and was like a human almanac. He will be missed.

Conrad Wyszomirski

Calvin Jefferson

February 23, 2020

Jesse was more than a friend he was a mentor. He taught me to take the words I cant out of my vocabulary. He inspired me to continue my education. Jesse was a brilliant man that sparked the minds of everyone that had the chance to meet him. Jesse will be missed.

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Memorial Events
for Jesse Grygorfan

Mar

21

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Lemon Grove United Methodist Church

3205 Washington Street, Lemon Grove, CA

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