Gerald Norman Beer

Gerald N. Beer, "Jerry", 82, of Bayville, NJ, passed peacefully in his home on March 31, 2024. Born and raised in Little Silver to his late parents, Norman F. and Ruth Parker Beer, he is predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane Hoffmann Beer. After graduating from Red Bank High School, Jerry honorably served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hugh Purvis. He retired from G.P.U Nuclear Power Plant after 29 years of employment. A "Jerry-of-all-trades", he was a self-taught mechanic, carpenter, electrician, and tinkerer. He and Diane raised their family on a century home mini-farm, of which many of the structures he single-handedly built or refurbished. He and Diane are fondly remembered for gathering friends and family together at their homestead for much anticipated annual 4th of July parties. Jerry had a deep appreciation for nature, and his hobbies included gardening, canoeing, and bottle digging. He was also keenly interested in historical research, and was awarded "2010-2011 Citizen of the Year" by Post #9503 Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary in recognition of his local research of Berkeley Township. In 2020, he authored the book, "The Rise and Demise of Lieut. Edward S. Farrow's Barnegat Park c. 1886-1900."
Jerry Beer is survived by his children Deborah Beer and her partner Adrian Binns, and Rebecca Laboy and her husband John Laboy, as well as his sister Carole Beer McGuinness and her husband James P. McGuinness, and extended family.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 6, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, at Timothy Ryan Funeral Home, in Bayville. Remarks and remembrances start at 11:30 am. All are welcome.
Donations can be made in Jerry Beer's memory to the Pinelands Preservation Alliance or the Nature Conservancy.
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