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Gerald Behnke Obituary
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Jerry was born and raised in Paterson, but moved to Lake Hiawatha 55 years ago where he spent most of his life.
His greatest happiness in life was his role as Bebop to his six loving grandchildren. He never missed their games and made his presence known to the kids at every sporting event with a blow of his air horn. He was even recognized as an outstanding fan by the Parsippany PAL Redhawk Football League.
Jerry was a driver for UPS out of the Parsippany barn for many years before retiring. More importantly, he was a dedicated life member of the Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District #4, where he has spent 46 years serving his community. He was also an avid bingo player and "Mr. 49" could be found every Wednesday supplementing his retirement with his bingo winnings. Add in bus and road trips to the casinos and Bebop kept pretty busy.
Jerry is pre-deceased by his wife, Patricia Ann who passed away in 2010 and his son, Jerry, who passed away in 2020. He is also pre-deceased by his brother, Thomas; brothers-in-law, Clyde Daut and Vic Diddio; and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Daut and MaryEllen Behnke.
Survivors include his daughter, Patricia Brinck; his daughter-in-law, Suzanne Behnke, and his six grandchildren: Scott and his fiancée, Kristine, Brett, Jerry, Jenna, Jarrett, and Jake, as well as his granddaughter-in-love, Chloe. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Richard Behnke; his sister, Sharon Diddio; his sister-in-law, Celine Behnke and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4th 2024 at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany. Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Visitation will be on Monday, June 3rd 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany. (973) 887-3235.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gerald, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Teresa OCONNELL
June 27, 2024
My deepest condolance to the family Jerry amd i worked toghter for years he was my friend loved him i am so saddend to hear he is gone he will be greatley missed may he rip
Diane Jastram O´Connor
June 5, 2024
Diane Jastram O´Connor
June 5, 2024
Diane Jastram O´Connor
June 5, 2024
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Diane Jastram O´Connor
June 5, 2024
Diane Jastram O´Connor
June 5, 2024
Jerry, I always looked forward to going to Bingo with you and Mom. You always were kind and thoughtful and, oh so much fun! With `49´ and when someone´s phone rang and you´d shout out `tell em I´m in the shower. I´d laugh and laugh. On a serious note, you loved your family with all your heart. I know how you missed Pat and when your son died part of you went with him. You will be greatly missed. Enjoy your new adventures and being with those who have gone before you. Love, Diane
Ingrid Schulz
June 2, 2024
49 will live forever at bingo!
Ingrid
Renee Gaspercic
June 1, 2024
Forever 49 at bingo. RIP lovely man Renee Kathy and Kathy Marie
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95 Parsippany Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054
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