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Jerry Alan Lentz
4/11/1944 - 10/31/2025
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Jerry Lentz Obituary
The son of a U.S. Navy submariner, Jerry moved many times as his father rotated between bases. Several of those moves brought the family to Groton, where Jerry attended Fitch High School and lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. Jerry wanted to teach, so he earned his degree at Central Connecticut State College, supporting himself by loading trucks at UPS, managing a Topsy's Hamburgers restaurant, and serving in the Army National Guard.
He spent over 35 years teaching biology and earth science in Ledyard. His love of athletics led him to coach football, basketball and cross country in Ledyard. Teaching biology by day and coaching after school were among Jerry's greatest joys, watching students and athletes grow in the classroom and on the field. In 2021, he was honored to be inducted into the Ledyard Football Hall of Fame.
Caroline Hunt was the love of Jerry's life. She worked at the Friendly's in Groton, and Jerry made frequent stops for a hot meal and ice cream, so he could get to know her. They married in 1966 in Mystic, and later welcomed two children, David and Kristen. The family lived in Ledyard from 1974 to 2020.
Jerry had a great passion for running and the camaraderie that came with it. He ran until he couldn't, walked until he couldn't, and then reminisced about both.
He needed a soup spoon to apply enough mayonnaise, drank the juice when the pickles were gone, and would choose a tomato sandwich over all others. You could find him tending to his garden in summer, growing giant tomatoes. He could relate a remarkable number of life lessons to his time managing Topsy's. At races and practices, he was easy to spot in a tattered, brightly colored jacket, an orange knit hat, or both. His favorite places were Haley Farm, Bluff Point, Lantern Hill, and any quiet trail or country road where he could run, walk, or cycle.
Jerry is survived by his wife Caroline; his children, David (Cheri) Rivard-Lentz and Kristen (Eric) Jacobsen; his sister Wanda Teague; grandchildren, Haley (Khim David), Kathryn, Nicholas, Alex, Max, Olivia, Owen, and Stella; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry J. and Julia M. Lentz; and his brother-in-law Reginald Teague. The family thanks his caretakers, Charley and Heidi, for their wonderful care and compassion. Jerry will be missed greatly by his friends and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Groton Elks Lodge, located at 700 Shennecossett Road. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland, Maine.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Jerry Lentz
Funeral services provided by:
Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home110 Limerock St, Rockland, ME 04841
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Lentz
Sponsored by Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.
29 Entries
Jim Buonocore
Yesterday
A tremendous educator and coach who went about his daily business with class and grace. He had a positive impact on thousands of students and athletes at Ledyard High School. He will be missed.
Jim Buonocore
Rich and Louise Steinberg
Yesterday
Dear Caroline, David and Cheri, Kristen and Eric. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your families. We were fortunate to have shared many of our families´ milestones together over the years. We will always remember Jerry´s kindness and intelligence. He was so proud of his family and the accomplishments of his students. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Loren Shaw
Yesterday
Mr. Lentz was my 10th grade biology teacher at LHS. His teaching of the reproductive system is forever imprinted in my mind as he had the class act out the "parts". I was a fallopian tube. Thank you for a wonderful class. RIP Mr. Lentz
Brian Santoro
Yesterday
Of all the coaches and teachers I met through the Ledyard school system, I always felt like Mr. Lentz cared the most about me. He coached me 2 years in middle school, was a teacher of mine for a year in high school and I still think of him often. He was a force for good and will forever live in my heart and memory. God bless him and his family. He was an incredible human being.
Don Deane
Yesterday
Rest in Peace, Jerry. You will be greatly missed by many
Don Deane
Fred Tremalgia
Yesterday
Caroline, David and Kristen, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. I have many fond memories of my time with Jerry. I first met him when he hired me as his freshman basketball coach in 1979 and we remained friends ever since. He gave me the running bug and even got me an automatic entry into the NYC Marathon. I loved all the times we shared our thoughts about coaching and life. He also proud to share the exploits and accomplishments of all of you, as well as his grandchildren. He will be missed but his legacy will live on forever. With my deepest sympathy.
Bill LaFleur
Yesterday
A great teacher and a wonderful person.A pleasure to work with. My condolences to his family.
Bill LaFleur
Ralph Young
November 8, 2025
Coach Lentz taught us how to run. Will never forget having to run a sub6 mile just to qualify for basketball tryouts. RIP Coach.
Gregory Senick
November 8, 2025
Jerry was my friend, mentor and running partner. He inspired me to be the runner I became, which earned me an athletic scholarship to Northeastern University. He inspired me to be the best I could be. His life lessons have remained and will remain with me throughout my life. My biggest regret is not remaining in contact with him and his beautiful wife Caroline.
I love you Jerry. You will remain close to my heart and in my thoughts and prayers, always.
Greg
Pat Hourihan
November 8, 2025
Jerry friendship was amazing. He introduced me to cycling. We cycled for years. My sympathies to his wonderful wife and children. Pat
Kimlyn Flanzer Marshall
November 8, 2025
Mr. Lentz was an incredible teacher who made sure we knew he was always there for us. I have missed seeing him around town. Healing prayers to his family.
Catherine Stuart
November 8, 2025
My very deepest condolences. Jerry was a fine teacher and coworker.
John Nazzaro
November 8, 2025
A few years back I bumped into Jerry at the Dogwatch Stonington. I thanked him for all he did to motivate me. The best football coach and teacher I ever had. Told him he pushed me to new limits I didn´t know I had. Hope to see y´all at the Elks.
Hon. John J. Nazzaro, LHS `76
Superior Court Judge Ret.,
Track has been by 1974 when Tim Shafman blew my doors off.
Jerry taught me to never take anything too seriously unless Randy Macy was called in to do the 29 Counter. Made sure I got a nice pair of black spotbilt coaching shoes like Jerry when I coached football but never, ever could I match the "cool" of Jerry Lentz. Never.
Jennifer Ference Pacheco
November 8, 2025
Mrs. Lentz, Kristen, and David,
My sincerest condolences-losing a dad is heartbreaking. Your dad was such a light at LHS! I have been teaching in Ledyard for over 30 years and still have great memories of all of us as Colonels. He was a role model for anyone that was lucky enough to meet him. Prayers to your whole family during this tough time.
Andrea Vacaro Stevenson
November 8, 2025
Sending so much love to the Lentz family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mr.Lentz was a wonderful neighbor as well as a beloved member of our school community. He truly was a powerful role model for so many of us and exemplified the best of us.
May all your memories bring you enormous comfort.
Peter Swatsburg
November 8, 2025
I had the honor of working with Jerry for many years. He was a teacher of distinction who positively influenced the lives of so many Ledyard students, including my own. A wonderful human being.
Wayne Bartolucci
November 8, 2025
My condolences to Kristen and all of the family. He was an amazing teacher, an amazing coach, and an even better person. He truly cared for each student and athlete that he came in contact with. He was my middle school basketball coach and was the first coach to show me how much hard work it would take to be successful, both on and off the court. You and your family are in my prayers!
Alicia Vacaro Multer
November 8, 2025
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Lentz as a teacher, a neighbor and I often sat for his kids when they were young. Once day in biology class, I was first in the classroom. Mr. Lentz thought it would be funny to let the class boa constrictor be free and roam the room for a while between classes. First time I EVER swore in front of a teacher!
Mr. Lentz was so full of energy and a teacher who helped inspire many of us to become educators.
Rest in peace Mr. Lentz, may your memory be a blessing.
Dale Trahan
November 8, 2025
Jerry was the best basketball coach I ever had. I loved running with him, he knew how to get the best out of you. He will be missed. Rest in peace Jerry.
Alice Perry
November 8, 2025
Extending heartfelt condolences to Jerry´s family. I used to babysit for Mr. & Mrs. Lentz so many years ago and have only vivid memories of a wonderful family.
Dave Fairman
November 8, 2025
Rest in Peace Jerry
Margaret E Welch
November 7, 2025
Jerry was my classroom neighbor for many years, and we often laughed at his dedication to order and my dedication to chaos. But he and I agreed that caring for the students was central to our jobs, and he exceeded that expectation every day. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Gary Hall
November 6, 2025
Jerry is one of my best memories of growing up. I worked for him at Topsy´s during the summer of 1967. He was the greatest boss and always had a knack for weaving fun into the everyday fries, hamburger, and shakes. He was also a great quarterback coach who was responsible for helping understand the basics of aiming and throwing a football. He also understood incentives can motivate and result in reaching outcomes that were otherwise impossible.
His example of hard work and kindness provided me firm foundation for my career and personal daily decisions.
Margo Beach
November 6, 2025
Dear Caroline, Kristen, Dave and families. I am still getting over the shock of Jerry leaving us all. Memories include family picnics with all the kids years ago, camp in Maine, and climbing Mt. Katahdin twice!! He was always such a respected role model for so many folks. He was also a good friend, along with his dear wife, Caroline. I will miss him.
Carol Ellis
November 5, 2025
To Caroline, Dave and Kristen and families. He loved you all- so loyal, thoughtful and kind.
My memories of Jerry go right back to our summer picnics with our 10 children in Wally´s truck going for ice cream! ...The best of times !
You were so blessed.... and he was ,too.
I´m glad I knew him.
Love, Carol , Michael, Lauren, Mark and Suzanne
David Bednarz
November 5, 2025
Jerry was an incredibly dedicated and talented teacher, colleague and mentor. I will cherish the wisdom he imparted to me when I was a young teacher and the relationship we built as we moved from LMS to LHS. The storeroom in room 104 is still called "Jerry's Closet" to this day. My condolences to the family, to echo a sentiment from an earlier post ... he truly packed a great deal into a day and into his lifetime.
-- Dave Bednarz
Jennifer Sunny
November 5, 2025
Dear Caroline, Kris and Dave- my most sincere condolences and many hugs. He certainly squeezed a lot into a day and into a lifetime! I can hear Frampton blasting from the heavens! Love you all! Rest in peace, Ralph! Love, Ralph.
Art Holmberg
November 4, 2025
God´s speed dear friend
Steve Holmberg
November 4, 2025
Family friend and teacher of my youth.Mr Lentz always put a smile on our faces. Huge loss for our family and community. RIP Jerry.
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