Gerard J. Kerrigan

Gerard "Jerry" J. Kerrigan, 66, of South Abington Twp., formerly of South Scranton, died suddenly Saturday morning at home. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Jane A. Kerrigan; and sons, Marty, Mitchell and Colin.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late John Harold Kerrigan and Violet Bonin Kerrigan. He was a graduate of South Catholic High School.

Jerry started his long food sales career at Millett & Lyons in 1976. He worked his way up to a brands manager position at U.S. Food Service, and it was there that he excelled most. Jerry was passionate about the nuances of any food you could name, and he loved his coworkers. He eventually moved on to Reinhart Food Services, from where he eventually retired.

Jerry was a son, friend, husband, Grandpa "Ba" and overall, an outstanding example of a human being. When Jerry wasn't working, he was taking care of his grandkids, whom he adored and were the light of his life. He could fix any broken appliance, and would frequently do so for his friends, family and neighbors. Jerry seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew him.

Jerry was always outgoing, extremely funny, able to crack you up with his cheesy jokes and his laugh. At the dinner table we listened to his long explanations related to meats, cheeses, politics or current affairs. He was famous for eating all his grandkids' leftovers. Everyone loved Jerry because of his warm and hilarious personality. He was a loving husband to Jane. From the moment he saw her standing on Prospect Avenue, near the high school they attended, he would always tell her that's when he fell in love with her, his prom queen. He will be missed by many. There will never be another Jerry Kerrigan.

He is survived by his sons, Martin and significant other, Shana Peyser, Portland, Ore.; Mitchell, at home; and Colin and his wife, Christine, Mayfield; grandchildren, Camron, Carli and Colin Kerrigan; sisters, Anne McCloskey, Scranton; Marie Bennett and husband, Bob, Harrisburg; and Denise Kerrigan, Scranton; brothers, Jude Kerrigan and wife, Carol, Dunmore; and Vincent Kerrigan and wife, Mary, Scranton; father-in-law, Edwin Lewandoski, South Abington Twp.; brother-in-law, Edwin Lewandoski and wife, Paula, Maryland; sister-in-law, Lynda Kelly and husband, Rob, Florida; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Joan, Margie, John and Dennis Kerrigan; his mother-in-law, Rose Lewandoski; and a niece, Jacqueline McCloskey.

A blessing service will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Nicholas Chomko Funeral Home, 1132 Prospect Ave., Scranton. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 4 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.