Jerry Danforth

Gerald "Jerry" Danforth, age 78, passed away the morning of June 1, 2025. Jerry was born in Oneida on December 24, 1946, to Leslie Danforth (father) and Eva Schuyler Danforth (mother).
He is survived by wife Pamela Johns Danforth and children: Paul Jameson (Virna), Steve Jameson (Cathy), Tanya Wood (Steve), Gerald Danforth Jr. (Chitra), and Patrick Danforth. Stepson Keith Bimosae Johns Herman, brother James Danforth (Joanne) and sister Joanne Smith (late Bruce Smith). Jerry's grandchildren Alanna, Erin, Fiona, Ronan, Willem, Isobella, Eilish, Mariah, Ciera, John Samantha, William, Gregory, Paul, Kaylah, Analise. He is also survived by his great granddaughters Josephine (Ciera & Alex) and Amelia (Mariah & Fabian).
Jerry and Pam spent many winter seasons in South Padre Island and enjoyed fishing most days. Crazy about golf, using his green egg for BBQ entertaining, red wine enthusiast, chocolate lover, pie maker/eater were all some of Jerry's favorite things. Family, friends and commitments to both were always very important to Jerry.
Jerry was a Tribal Leader not only for the Oneida Nation but for Indian Country across the US. Jerry served on the Oneida Business Committee as Chairman for 2 terms in both 1995 and returned as Chairman in 2005.
During his administration Jerry pursued strengthening Indian gaming interests and economic development. Priorities set during his term included health care, higher education and Oneida language preservation. Long term planning and building the economy that wasn't reliant on gaming was a vision as well as expanding communication between the government and the General Tribal Council.
Jerry Danforth, 33 years retired from the United States Navy as the Force Master Chief, Naval Surface Force, US Atlantic Fleet in 1994. He was a veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm. The Oneida Judiciary was also enhanced by his service as a judge.
Jerry was an exceptional man, a dedicated and honorable man a man of courage and conviction, a man whose character was evidenced as a Navy Master Chief, as a member of Oneida's judiciary, and as a two term Chairman of the Oneida Nation. Jerry was a loving husband and father. A caring and compassionate human being. His actions represented the best of Oneida's values; his decisions always represented his commitment to the most critical challenges and his decisions were grounded in the best interests of the whole Nation. He will long be remembered and significantly missed.
He was preceded in death by son Thomas Danforth and parents Leslie and Eva Danforth
Visitation is on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St, De Pere, from 3:00PM - 7:00 PM. The Veterans will give a final salute at 5:00 PM. Oneida Hymn Singers will sing from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM to bring the evening to a close. Visitation will continue Saturday at the Oneida Turtle School from 8 AM – 10 AM. Service begins at 10:00 AM, followed by military taps at Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds in Oneida.