The Hocke Net

Marine and energy industries lose a friend

Jerry Greenberg, a WorkBoat correspondent since 1999, died unexpectedly at his home in Katy, Texas, on Nov. 5. At WorkBoat, Jerry wrote the popular OSV Day Rate column, penned the annual WorkBoat Offshore Service Vessel Report, and handled the cover story in our May issue each year, which deals with the offshore industry.

Although he was a freelance writer and consultant, he did many other assignments for us, including items for our News Log section. As editor of that collection of news reports each month, I could count on Jerry whenever I needed him. He was an editor’s best friend. Something would break the day before deadline having to do with the oil and gas industry and I would be on the phone with Jerry.

“Can you put something together for me on this by tomorrow morning?” I would ask.

“Well, I have a few things going right now (pause). Yeah, I can get something for you. How much time do I have?”

“I need it tomorrow morning.”

“OK. Yeah, I can do that.”

Two hours later it was finished and emailed to me. That was Jerry.

In the 15 years that I knew him, he was always the same — personable, friendly, quick with a smile or a laugh.

Jerry worked in the oil and gas industry as an editor, marketing and public relations manager, and corporate communications director before becoming a freelance writer and consultant. His articles have appeared in Offshore, Oil & Gas Journal, World Oil, Hart’s E&P, Journal of PetroleumTechnology (JPT), Bassoe Offshore Monthly, AAPG Explorer, Upstream, Subsea Engineering News, and Offshore Engineer and Drilling Contractor. 

Jerry Greenberg is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sissy, his mother, brother, two daughters, and a granddaughter.

He was a pro. He was a colleague. He was a friend.

Some people aren't appreciated until they're gone. That was not the case with Jerry Greenberg.