Gerald E. "Jerry, Stretch" Strange

Gerald E. "Jerry" Strange, a longtime resident of Brunswick and Topsham, died peacefully in Scarborough, Maine, Oct. 26, after a short illness. He was 84.

Jerry was a good friend to many in Brunswick and Topsham. He was a short order cook at the old Howard Johnsons on Pleasant Street, a supervisor at Health-Tex, a cook and assistant manager at Grand City in Brunswick, a guard at Bath Iron Works, and a delivery driver for Bow Street Beverage in Freeport.

Jerry lived by Will Rogers' words: "Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. "

Above all, his family treasured him, and he treasured his family.

Jerry was born March 23, 1941, in Northhampton, MA, to the late Malcolm R. and Mary (Shea) Strange. The family moved to Brunswick when Jerry was very young.

He was predeceased by his parents, a newborn daughter, Deborah Lynn; and his brother, Bill.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joyce Strange, his brother, Mal of Brunswick; three sons - - John (and Amy) of Wendell, NC; Rob and Thom Strange, both of Rochester, NH - - and three close step-children - - Wendy, of Topsham; David (and Angela), also of Topsham; and Shawn (and Cynthia), of Boothbay. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jerry played basketball for Brunswick High School, where his height and athleticism earned him the lifelong nickname "Stretch." He was also a passionate and avid bowler in Brunswick. He and Joyce traveled the country to many tournaments with their fellow bowlers. He was always active: cycling, bicycling, hiking, hunting, fishing.

One of his greatest joys was spending weekends at the family camp in Harpswell, Maine, a place built by his parents and lovingly shared with his children.

He also had a lifelong passion for Boston's professional sports teams and was once honored as "Fan of the Game" at a Celtics game.

The family wishes to express great gratitude to the teams of doctors and nurses in Brunswick and Maine Medical Center in Portland, and especially to the staff of Gosnell Hospice in Scarborough, Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Southern Maine 390 US Route One, Scarborough ME 04074 or on their website at give@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org