Gerald P. "Jerry" Prior

1939 - 2023

Gerald P. Jerry Prior, 84, of Narragansett, a long-time teacher with the Providence Public Schools and a member of the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame, died on Sunday, July 9, 2023 after a brief illness.

Jerry was born in Providence on May 19, 1939, the son of the late Emma (Warren) and Gerald Prior. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy, where he was co-captain of the swimming team and led the school to Rhode Island, New England, and National Catholic School swimming championships in 1956. The Rhode Island Swim Coaches and Officials Association named him the states outstanding male swimmer that year.

Jerry went on to star in multiple swimming events at the University of Connecticut, where he pursued a degree in education and was co-captain of the swim team. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2006.

Following his graduation from UConn in 1961, Jerry taught for approximately 25 years at the Nathaniel Greene School in Providence. He also supported his family with part-time jobs for many years as the director of the Danforth Recreation Center in Providence, and as a bartender at several establishments in Providence and Narragansett.

Jerry lived for many years in the Elmhurst section of Providence, before relocating to the Bonnet Shores area of Narragansett around the time of his retirement from teaching.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Gerald Prior Jr. (Marianne) of Narragansett; Christine Feeney of Narragansett; Deborah Igoe (Michael) of Cranston; Colleen Prior (Patrick Sweeney) of Narragansett; and Daniel Prior (Jennifer) of East Greenwich.

Jerry also leaves nine grandchildren: James Feeney (Meaghan), Kelly Feeney, Megan Igoe, Patrick Igoe, Michael Igoe, Erin Igoe, Daniel Prior Jr., Jillian Prior and Olivia Prior; and two great-grandchildren: Emma Feeney and James Feeney.

He is also survived by his brother, Rev. J. Gregory Prior of Hilton Head, S.C.; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Elaine Prior of Warwick; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his former wife, Maureen Hobson Prior; his sister, Judith Veisel; his brother, Dr. Michael Prior; and his son-in-law, James Feeney.

Jerry was a knowledgeable and avid fan of many sports, an enthusiastic clammer, and a life-long swimmer. A lifeguard at Rhode Island beaches in his youth, he amazed family and friends when he re-earned his Red Cross certification and worked as a lifeguard in his 70s. He loved spending a day at the beach, gathering with family and friends, and watching his children and grandchildren participate in their athletic events.

A visitation will be held from 10 am -- 12, noon with a funeral service to immediately follow at 12, noon on Saturday, July 15, 2023 in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown. His interment will be privately held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in Jerry's memory be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Kindly visit the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home online for information and online condolences, www.TheQuinnFuneralHome.com