Gerald "Jerry" Lee Letey

Gerald "Jerry" Lee Letey June 22, 1943 - January 29, 2026 Jerry Letey passed away on January 29, 2026 in Tucson, AZ. He was born on June 22, 1943 in Glenwood Springs, CO to Leo and Katherine (Grant) Letey. Jerry was the second born of four children and grew up in Colorado. He spent his childhood & grade school years in Basalt, before moving to Delta where he attended junior high school and three years of high school at Delta High School, finally moving to Alamosa his senior year and attending Alamosa High School graduating in 1961. During high school Jerry participated in basketball and track and field as well as other extracurricular actives. He also began working in the grocery industry during this time. After graduation he enrolled at Adams State College but ended up attending Denver Technical College earning a diploma in 1961 for mechanical drafting. Jerry was drafted in May 1964 to serve in the United States Army. After basic training he was stationed in Germany from March 1966 to February 1968, a period during which he demonstrated commendable dedication and resilience. Jerry was honorably discharged on March 1, 1972 with the rank of Sergeant. After his time in the Army Jerry returned to CO and located to Denver. There he worked at Union National Bank and, also completed a Dale Carnegie Course. In 1970, he returned to the grocery industry and began working for Safeway. Then in 1978 he relocated to Fruita, CO and became the owner of Country Store for three years. Finally, in 1980 Jerry moved to Tucson, AZ working for Food Giant, ABCO Desert Market and Garret’s IGA Markets before retiring in 2003. Jerry and his former wife, Linda, had two daughters whom they both adored; Michelle Lee Ann born in 1975 and Monica Joyce born in 1980. Jerry was a devoted fan of the University of Arizona athletics, Bear Down, often spending his time over the years cheering for his favorite sports. He was even a season ticket holder over the years for many of the women’s teams & baseball. He had a love for puzzles, word searches, stamp and coin collecting, enjoyed an occasional mug of Coors Light, listening to Willie Nelson and watching TV & movies. Most of all, Jerry especially loved and enjoyed the outdoors and sunshine, living in Tucson, AZ for more than 46 years. In his retirement years he could often be found attending youth sports and activities supporting his grandson Adrian or just hanging out with him. He also enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren, Bree & Zack, when they visited from Texas. Jerry's life was marked by his perseverance, his service to his country, and his unwavering love & support for his family and friends. His legacy of warmth will be remembered by all who knew him. He had a lively spirit, a keen mind, unique personality but most of all, a sense of humor (cue the confetti). Jerry is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Dirk) Cox of Lavon, TX and Monica (Anthony) Falcone of Marana, AZ; his grandchildren, Brianna, Adrian, and Zachary. Jerry also leaves behind his brothers and sister, Jay (Patty) Letey of Glendale, AZ, Diane (John) Bruce of Redmond, OR, Ron (Laura) Letey of Salt Lake City, UT as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Katherine (Grant) Letey. Service and Celebration of Life will be Thursday, February 26 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at Arizona Sands Club located at Lowell-Stevens Football Facility at the University of Arizona.
To honor Jerry’s love of the University of Arizona athletics, please consider a contribution to the Wildcat Club – investing in Arizona student athletics (www.Wildcatclub.org)