Jo Jesty

Dr. Jolyon Jesty was born on August 10, 1946 in Bere Regis, Dorset, England. He was known as “Jo” to family, friends and colleagues, as “Pops” to his children, and as “Grandad” to his grandchildren. Jo is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joan Kiely, his three children, Gillian, Sophy, and Justin, and his five grandchildren, Oliver, Terin, Graham, Emilia, and Penelope.

Jo grew up on Doddings, the family’s dairy and watercress farm in Dorset, England, and attended All Hallows School before earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at Oxford University. He and his young family moved to Connecticut in 1972 for Jo to pursue post-doctoral studies at Yale University. It was 1975 when he began his long career at Stony Brook University which included research, teaching, and service as President of the University Faculty Senate. He was particularly proud of creating an undergraduate course in Bioethics and Public Policy.

Jo retired in 2010 as a Professor Emeritus in The Hematology Division of the Department of Medicine. Jo’s best years were in his retirement, when he designed and built beautiful wood furniture in his workshop; researched and kept the Jesty family tree; collected, drove (and gifted his children with) vintage cars; enjoyed playing the piano; and took up photography again. Jo passed away on March 5, 2025 with his wife and children at his bedside. He will be very much missed for his care for the people around him, his clever wit, and his profound intellect.

A service to celebrate Jo’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5th from 1:30 – 4:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to Long Island Cares.