Jerry L. Mills

Jerry L. Mills, 76, of Cedar Grove, N.J., passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023. Jerry was born in Louisville, KY. He is predeceased by his wife, Dianne, and survived by his loving sons, Jeffrey Mills, Ryan Mills, and his wife, Erin, and Sean Mills, and his wife, Gabriella; and beloved grandchildren Dylan, Bruno, Sutter, Oakley, and Sawyer.
Jerry's Father Clarence Mills was a welder for the Louisville Railyards and his mother Leona Mills was an amazing cook who, according to Jerry, "could turn a freezer full of chicken, rabbits, and squirrel into a gourmet meal".
Jerry's first job was working at the L&N railroad as a clerk, doing inventory of rail cars and working the telegraph machine. He enlisted and spent 4 years proudly serving the country in the US Navy. Under the GI Bill, Jerry earned a BS in Marketing from Montclair State University. During these school years, he worked as a bouncer and bartender at Tierney's Tavern in Montclair.
After school, Jerry began a successful career in sales and marketing in the roofing industry, working for the Karnak Corporation, then running his own firm, Mills Associates, and most recently working at The Edil Corporation.
His biography, of course, doesn't tell the story of the man himself. Not by a long shot.
Jerry had a natural born kindness, a boundless optimism, and loved as deeply as anyone can.
He enjoyed travel and long road trips. He would choose to drive over flying whenever possible, especially if there was a casino to stop at or a roller coaster to try. He had a passion for golf. He was a star Bocce Ball player and unnaturally talented at horseshoes and cornhole. He played a regular poker game with his buddies and could never resist a comped room in Atlantic City. He loved making soups,especially chili, and always Cincinnati style. He listened to Willie Nelson and Tom T. Hall.
He was very active in the St. Catherine's parish, regularly volunteering and lecturing.
He was a gifted storyteller. Proving it's never too late to start anew he began creating mixed material art at the age of 72 and had several art shows over the past two years.
His family was his center of gravity. His three boys meant the world to him and he spent years coaching their little league teams, refereeing their basketball games, and wiring them money. He loved them with all his heart and they loved him back just as hard.
The love of his life was Dianne Mills. They met in Hawaii during the Vietnam War, while he was in the Navy and she was fresh out of nursing school. They were happily married for 50 years and had a life full of adventure, love, and laughs. When she became sick, he took care of her every day for years without a complaint. It was an act of unconditional love and deep devotion. His heart never fully healed from losing her, but any sadness was immediately replaced by gratitude that he had her in his life.
He showed up for everything and he showed up for everyone.
They only made one Jerry Mills.
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove. The Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, February 6, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Cedar Grove at 10 a.m. with military honors following. Kindly gather directly at the Church for the Mass. Cremation will be private at Rosedale Crematory, Montclair, N.J. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.