Gerald "Jerry" Mackey

My first memories of Mr. Mackey, was he as a Social Studies teacher. Also he was the basketball coach. Later after graduation I came back for the Sunday Morning basketball. I played over the last 40ish years, in that time I played against Jerry, Jerry Jr.,Jason and a large selection of Mackey proteges. He always had quips or suggestions about my talent, or lack of it on the court. But after I learned that all of us got the same treatment, I was then at ease talking to him. Even the last few years when he really couldn't play because of orders from his home coach, lol. He still came to watch and chat, and occasionally sneak in some work with young ball players. He also would occasionally ask about the Glen Aubrey news. He was so glad to have made the trip to visit his family down south. Also glad he had his Seton Hall reunion. I felt good he got to enjoy those. He leaves a big hole in the Whitney Point sports world, and life in general. He also leaves me as the oldest active ball player in his pickup league. Thank you Sir for all you have done for the Point and my life. Rest in peace and someday we will play again.

Kathy, Jerry Jr. and Family - I am confident that I speak for the many people who were blessed to know Jerry that we are all simply heartbroken by his passing. In every conversation I had with him, he had a way of making you smile and lifting your spirits up with that trademark Irish wit and humor. In every conversation I had with him, Jerry was always thinking about others --- his brother John who battled cancer and was my friend from Washington, his own family and the community in general. My son was on rival sports teams to his grandchildren but he was always asking about my son and pulling for him and Seton when he wasn't playing against Oneonta. I'll never forgot the great time we had at my son's game he came to in the fall. Jerry loved his family so much and was always talking about them with great pride and joy. Jerry was a humble servant of Lisle. He never liked asking for too much or the wheeling and dealing of politics. In a polite way he asked me one time if I had any ideas to help repair a public swimming pool the Village just didn't have funds for. He was thinking of kids who didn't have much to do in the summer and their enjoyment. I know he loved his Church too and of course Whitney Point High School. Every time I met someone from the Whitney Point area, I mentioned his name. Every time the person I was speaking to said, 'I know Jerry or Mr. Mackey. What a great guy!' This world's tremendous loss is heaven's great gain. I can picture him up there with his brother John --- the Mackey brothers united again together with Jesus. I know he'll be looking down on us all, smiling and praying for us after running the race, fighting the good fight and keeping his eyes on the prize in Christ Jesus. May God Bless your family during this difficult time. George Phillips