Jerry Mailhiot Sr.

CROSSVILLE, TN

MANSFIELD

Jerry Mailhiot Sr., of Crossville, Tennessee (formerly of Mansfield, Connecticut), was taken too soon on June 28, 2024, at the age of 67.

Born May 28, 1957, to the late Georgette (LaPierre) and Gerard Mailhiot of Mansfield, CT. In his younger years, Jerry could be found with his father, brother Robert, and friends on Riverview Rd, honing his inimitable ability to fix anything with a motor. After graduating from Windham Technical High School in 1976, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1980 as a tank mechanic, during which time he was stationed in Neu Ulm, Germany. After being honorably discharged, Jerry proudly worked for DeSiato Sand & Gravel and then with the Town of Mansfield Public Works, serving his hometown as a driver and mechanic until his retirement in 2013.

In his first phase of retirement, he helped others by affordably fixing their vehicles in his home garage on Obara Dr. He loved the steady flow of people and cherished the interactions they brought very much. Jerry's second act in retirement began when he married Marianne (also from Connecticut) on June 15, 2013. The following year, the couple moved to Crossville, TN, where he once again established himself as the go-to person for anything with a motor. They added two rescue dogs to the family, Fred and Pebbles. The four joyously traveled the country in their RV, making friends everywhere from Key West to Old Orchard Beach, and all places in between.

Jerry is survived by his two children, Jerry Jr. and Jennifer, from his first marriage to Jane (Praklis). Though Jerry and Jane divorced, they were exemplary co-parents for which their children are eternally grateful. Jerry Sr. always made clear his love and prioritization of Jerry Jr. and Jennifer with unequivocal access to his time. Whether it be phone calls (day or night), snowmobile excursions, camping getaways, frequent adventures, or trips to Walt Disney World.

When Jerry & Marianne married, they blended their families to include her children, Susan, Shawn, and Scott Lonardelli, as well as grandchildren, Nico and Zane Lonardelli. Jerry loved adding to his family and truly cherished that each brought their own brand of joy to his life.

Jerry was predeceased by his brother, Robert, sister, Rita Despard, and brother-in-law, Carl Skip Smith Jr. He is survived by his sisters, Beatrice Delorme, Louise Gaudreau, and Diane Smith; and brothers-in-law, Richard, Harry, and Edward (whom he considered brothers). He is also survived by multiple family members in Maine, plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to the newly formed Jerry Mailhiot Sr. Helping Hands Fund and mailed to the Liberty Bank below. Jerry's family created this award to gift a graduating automotive student of Windham Technical High School with a true passion for helping others through their trade: Liberty Bank, c/o Jerry Mailhiot Sr. Helping Hands Fund, 679 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 24th, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 136 Club Rd, Willimantic, CT 06226. Family and close friends are invited to an intimate reception following the service from 11:30-2 p.m. at Trigo Wood Fired Pizza, 744 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226.

Jerry Mailhiot Sr.