Gerald George Willard

Darien Center - Gerald "Jerry" George Willard, 64, of Darien Center, NY, passed away on October 24, 2025, at Gateway Home in Attica, NY, surrounded by those he loved most.

Jerry was welcomed by his parents, Ferris and Eunice (Green) Willard, as a late-in-life surprise on June 12, 1961, joining his beloved sister, Nancy (Willard, Quinn) Newton, who is 17 years his senior.

He attended Alexander Central Schools, where he met the love of his life, Amy (Amedick) Willard. After high school, he earned an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering from SUNY Alfred State. Jerry made friends everywhere he went-especially during his school years-and those friendships endured like brotherhoods throughout his life.

Given the age difference between Nancy and Jerry, he grew up close to his four nieces: Deanne (Quinn) Miller, Christine (Quinn) Schrader, Amy (Quinn) Miller, and Rhoda (Newton) Pastuszynski.

Following his schooling, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Amy, on September 4, 1982. Together they raised three children: Ashlee (Matthew) Lang, Lindsee (Matthew) Say, and Ethan (Samantha) Willard.

Jerry spent most of his career as a steel salesman and enjoyed every moment he could with his family. From building a house to riding dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and four-wheelers, to family vacations and trips with friends-Jerry was always up for an adventure.

He was blessed with five grandchildren: Tucker Say, Piper Say, Nolan Willard, Ezra Lang, and Norah Willard who will miss him dearly. After his retirement, he proudly drove what became known as the "Grandpy Bus" taking some of his grandchildren to school each morning. Following his glioblastoma diagnosis in 2020, his "crew of 13" took four family vacations together to celebrate his remarkable streak of beating the odds.
While his book may not have as many chapters as we all wished for, the amount of life he lived-and the love he shared-fills our hearts for a lifetime.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5 pm to 8 pm. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street Attica, where services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday. Private graveside services will be held at Darien Cemetery for his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at the Darien Fire Hall on Wednesday at 12:30 pm. Jerry requested that his celebration be casual-no "stuffy suits" or "shiny shoes" (his words, not ours!). He wanted everyone to come as they are, share a laugh, a story, and a toast to a life well-lived.