Photo courtesy of Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston
Clarkston, Michigan
Dec 3, 1931 – Aug 13, 2023
McNally, Gerald E., JD; of Clarkston; passed away on August 13, 2023; Age 91, with his family; preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Carol; father of Jerry (Melinda) McNally, Kevin (Kelly) McNally, Terry (Jeneen) McNally & Sue (Sean) Seaberg; Grandpa of Colum, Lucy, Fred, Noel, Jack, Sarah & Drew; brother of Patrick McNally, late Thomas, late Marian, late John, late Robert & late James. Jerry was born in Atkinson, NE. He graduated from St. James high school in Detroit, earned his Bachelors’ from Conception College in Missouri. and his Juris Doctorate from University of Michigan Law School. He was in the Air Force, stationed in Thule Greenland and worked as a sailor on an ore carrier in the Great Lakes. He started his law profession at the prosecutor’s office in Dearborn and spent a few years in private practice. In 1968 he was elected as Judge at the 52-2 Distrct Court and served in that role until he retired in 2002. Gerald was a very active member of the Clarkston community for more than 50 years and cherished his many friends. He devoted his life to serving others including his country, his community and especially his family. He had a great sense of humor and could fill a room with his big personality. He was known for his charisma, character and humility. Gerald and Carol were blessed with many beautiful years of retirement in their home in Clarkston. Gerald enjoyed hosting family gatherings, watching sports and enjoying a nice dinner out. Gerald and Carol were fortunate to have traveled the world, which allowed him to have perspective on life. He was known for his ability to chat with anyone he encountered. Gerald loved sitting with friends and discussing politics, sports, and gossiping over a glass of wine. Gerald cherished the friends from the Tennis group, Bridge group, the “Geezers” and especially 81 N. Main St. front porch. Gerald had a great interest in the world and contributed to making it a better place.
Memorial mass will be held at 11am on 8-21-23 at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston, MI., with visitation directly at the church at 10am. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. Inurnment at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers. Please leave a memory or condolence on Gerald’s online guestbook below.
Read MoreI think of Gerry every day and always will. He was so pleasant to be with for our Monday morning coffee gatherings of the geezers. He was grateful for the opportunity to share his fascinating life story for posterity in the book we created together. Those moments with him and Carol are cherished, never to be forgotten. Bill Haney
Bill Haney
August 09, 2025 | Ortonville, MI | Friend
He was a wonderful teacher as well, he taught one of my law classes in college. I think Torts. We almost bought property he had for sale over 30 plus urs ago. He was a kind and gentle person. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Patty Moore-hopkins
September 22, 2023 | Hartland, MI | Acquaintance
Jerry became a 'regular' at Alex's Market. Often talking about his sons and daughter. Sometimes the projects they were doing, like staining the deck. He always wanted to make sure he had enough dinners because him and Sue were having company. I had his phone number so I could let him know when his dinners were ready
Your father made an impact on some of us at the market. We noticed he hadn't been in awhile.
From all of us at Alex's, we send our sincere condolences to...
Michele
August 31, 2023 | Clarkston, MI | Acquaintance
Dear Jerry, Kevin, Terry, and Sue,
I remember many good times and conversations shared by Gerry, Carol, Darrell, and me, during bridge clubs, picnics, and ball games. We were fortunate to have these good people in our lives. We send our condolences to all of you.
Warm regards,
Charlotte, Chris, Mark, and Heather Cooper
Charlotte, Chris, Mark, Heather Cooper
August 29, 2023 | Clarkston, MI | Friend
To the McNally Family:
Please accept my deepest condolences. I owe much of my career trajectory to your patriarch, and had the true privilege of working with him on both sides of the bench. Judge McNally is/was such a class act. Smart, kind, well reasoned and unflappable. He was an easy choice--and my only choice--to administer the oath at my investiture. I love and miss him, and will be forever grateful for knowing him. Well done, good and faithful servant; well done.
Lisa L. Asadoorian
August 26, 2023 | Rochester Hills, MI | Coworker
May you rest in peace Jerry. Tell dad we said hello. It was always a pleasure spending time with you. Blessings to you and your family always.
The Guttilla Family
August 21, 2023 | Family
A finer man on the bench there never was. A true gentleman who I had the honor to know.
Dale M. Smith
August 21, 2023 | Friend
Jerry was a key figure in a book I published in 1993. The book, Appointment with Dr. Death, was the seminal treatment of the role of Dr. Jack Kevorkian on the issue of assisted suicide. It was only many years later that I met Jerry. We knew each other for several years before we realized the connection from that earlier book experience we shared. We discovered that we had much in common, of course, because Jerry was so adept at sharing experiences. He found common ground with people no...
Bill Haney
August 21, 2023 | Friend
Group of 10 Trees
Robert Haar
August 20, 2023