Gerald Piersall

PIERSALL, Gerald Wesley "Gerry," 81, of Dade City, Fla., passed

away Friday, May 27, 2011. Gerry was born to

Isaac Clay and Mattie Lou Piersall (Wells) February 4, 1930, in Clark County, Ky. Upon graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1952. He used the GI Bill to attend Eastern Kentucky University, and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He later earned a master's degree in 1964. He married Katherine Wright in 1954, and they had four sons. Gerry started his accounting career with Minute Maid in Orlando, Fla., in 1956. In 1971, the family settled in Dade City, where Gerry began a long career with Lykes Pasco, eventually becoming their vice president of finance. Gerry later married Rachel Sabella. Gerry and Rachel spent 22 incredible years together. Gerry enjoyed nothing more than fishing with his boys on Lake Kissimmee, traveling with Rachel, and spending happy family times with the daughters he gained through marriage and his many grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Emily Piersall; and his stepson, Gilbert Sabella. He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel; his sons, Jeff (Judy), Keith (Marcia), Todd (Stella) and Glenn (Kristina); stepson, Frank Sabella (Laura); grand-children, Kali, Ellie, Wes, Isaac, Chloe, Sarah, Georgia, Grant, Cole, Sophie, Jonathan and Gabriel; mother-in-law, Jennie Canalejo; and sister-in-law, Annette Vallejo. The family will receive friends

5 -7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 5th Street Chapel. Burial will take place at

10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. The procession will depart from the funeral home at

9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either HPH Hospice 37445 Clinton Ave, Dade City, FL 33525; or a charity of your choice.