Jerrold Toohey

Toohey, Jerrold SSG (Ret.) Jerrold "Jay" P. Toohey age 82 of Grand Rapids went lovingly into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday October 12, 2021. He will be missed by his wife of 57 years Mercedes; his children Wanda Toohey and Paul (Rebecca) Toohey; his grandchildren Kaitlyn, Brian, Nevin, Sean and Madelyn; and countless other "adopted" children and grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Jay was preceded in death by his twin brother James, his sister Sharon and his parents Vera and Paul Toohey. Jay served 21 years in the U.S. Army, serving three tours in Vietnam and hitting five of the seven continents (he'd tell you about not hitting Antarctica or Australia.) Following his military service, Jay served the U.S. State department as the US APO/FPO Master in La Paz, Bolivia. After his second retirement, he enjoyed traveling across Michigan for Kool Chevrolet and Van's Floral. An avid bowler (nine 300 games!), Jay coached middle school bowling, sharing his passion to yet another generation. His greatest joy in recent years has been teaching fellow veterans to play guitar as part of Guitars 4 Vets (Grand Rapids chapter.) As an active member of St Mary Catholic Church, he was the "perpetual" usher, and loved it every minute. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday October 18 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Grand Rapids (corner First and Turner NW). Jay's family will receive visitors at the church Monday one hour prior to the Mass. The family will also receive visitors Sunday October 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 585 Stocking Ave NW. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, MI, with full military honors, immediately following the Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Guitars 4 Vets (Grand Rapids Chapter).