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Gerald Watkins Obituary
Born in New London, on Jan. 17, 1985, he is the son of Bridget (Berry) Graff of Preston and Gerald C. Watkins Jr. of Ledyard.
He was a 2003 graduate of Ledyard High School and a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Avery Point with a bachelor's degree in American studies. He was employed as a site supervisor for KMK Construction Co., was treasurer of the Gales Ferry Community Center, assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 12 of Gales Ferry, a member of the VFW Men's Auxiliary Post 9454 of Preston, and the PLAV of Norwich.
He was well known as an entrepreneur of Jerry's Berry's.
Surviving, along with his parents, are four brothers, Dale Watkins and Michael Graff, both of Preston; two sisters, Rachael Crader of Gales Ferry and Kathryn Watkins of Norwich. His maternal grandparents, Robert and Marie (Pignataro) Berry of Gales Ferry; paternal grandparents, Gerald and Joan (Spencer) Watkins Sr., of Ledyard; his paternal great-grandfather, Richard Spencer of Groton; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Labenski Fuenral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry, meeting at the church. Interment will follow in Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Gales Ferry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Watkins
Mary A Olsson
March 30, 2020
Prayers and love at this time of remembrance.❤❤❤
Lenette Strong
April 10, 2012
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son. I didn't know Jerry as an adult, but I do remember him as a young child when I worked with Bridgit many years ago. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family. Rest in Peace
April 8, 2012
Dear Bob and family, We were so sad to hear of your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and may you find peace in your memories. Sincerely, Al & Lori Miner
Brian & Jodie Fahlgren
April 8, 2012
Jerry, Joide and I were so looking forward to you and David coming to Oregon to see us. We would of had a fantastic time for sure. I hope you know what a positive impact you had on so many lives. Peace be with you.
April 7, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Steve and Judy Cavanaugh.
April 7, 2012
I went to Mass today at 9:30 and said prayers for his soul. Toby A. Weir, Dover, NH.
Jo-Anne Weir
April 7, 2012
I am so sad for such an early loss of such an amazing young man. Jerry always met life head on and I never heard him complain about the challenges he was dealt in life. He had a genuine air of fun and playfulness about him and his warmth was contagious. I admire his can-do attitude and all he was able to accomplish. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. Jerry will be greatly missed.
Laurie Mortrude
April 7, 2012
Dear Bridget and all our dear cousins and family, Our hearts are oh so heavy for your inconsolable loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. - Love, Laurie, Jeffrey, Jeff, Jake and Olivia Mortrude
The Bennett Family
April 6, 2012
Bridget and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you. God Bless!
George Forson
April 6, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with the Watkins Family.
Clarence Rivette
April 6, 2012
Dale, on behalf of the Rivette family, we extend our sympathy for this tragic death in your family. His smiling picture here reminds us of your enthusiasm and spirit. My sense is that your brother had the same traits. Clarence Rivette
Natalia Mortrude
April 6, 2012
Gerry was an all around extraordinary person with a smile that could light up a room. I will miss you my dear cousin, but although we mourn the loss of Gerry, others are rejoicing to meet him. Love you always
Jo Ann Mauck
April 6, 2012
So sad, such an extraordinary man. We will miss you Jerry.
Jo Ann and Byron Mauck
Diane Mileski
April 5, 2012
To Jerry's Family,
I am so terribly saddened by the news of Jerry's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry at the Berry stands. We had such a great time. He was just so kind and genuine, warm and funny all in one.I will miss him dearly.My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!
arthur and joan gionet
April 5, 2012
we are so sorry to hear of jerry's passing. he was a wonderful person. he will be missed. our thoughts and prayers to his family.
April 5, 2012
Bridget & Family,
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
The Kowalski Family
Liz Smith
April 5, 2012
Jerry was one of those great kids that I had the pleasure of working with as a Ledyard Police DARE Officer. Jerry had an infectious grin and extremely kind mannerisms. His passing is a hug loss for our community. My thoughts are with the Berry and Watkins families in your time of sorrow.
Officer Liz (retired)
Kristopher Peters
April 5, 2012
I graduated with Jerry from Ledyard High School in 2003, I haven't seen him in years since I now live in Virginia, but I remember how much everyone at the school liked him and how friendly he was to everyone. He will be missed!
Leigh Brown
April 5, 2012
My most sincere sympathies are being sent to the entire family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Ela Avery
April 5, 2012
Bridget and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Susan Lyons
April 5, 2012
At Avery Point, we remember Jerry well for his cheerful determination and patience. He will be missed.
Connie Papathanasiou
April 5, 2012
Bridget and family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with at this time of grief. May he rest in peace.
Patricia Kilkenny
April 5, 2012
Our love and prayers are with you all. I wish we could be there with you, Uncle Bob and family. Jerry was a remarkable young man and we were blessed to have known him.
John 3:16
April 5, 2012
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOU AND YOURS AT THIS SORROWFUL TIME.YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.YOUR FRIENDS
AT BUMPER TO BUMPER
JoAnn Massad
April 5, 2012
I only met Jerry a couple of months ago, when he was handling a job in our office. Always smiling, always determined to ensure the work was done well and that we were satisfied with everything, his supremely warm and friendly disposition made the world a much better place. I barely knew him, yet he has left an indelibly positive impression on me, and I'm sad that I won't be seeing him again.
Dotty Ann Kettlety
April 5, 2012
I will remember him with a smile. So very sorry to all the familes. love Dotty Ann
Peter Woodbury
April 5, 2012
Jerry & Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
Laurie Carmack
April 5, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family.We will miss that incredible smile, he was an inspiration to all that met him.
The Carmack Family
Barbara Callahan
April 5, 2012
Robin, Katy, Matthew and the rest of Jerry's family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find some comfort in your happy memories of Jerry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficul time.
April 5, 2012
I am stunned to learn of your passing.You were such a very special person and will sadly be missed! Bill & Lois Carota (Lisbon,Ct.)
Emily Wardell (Schmitz)
April 4, 2012
Jerry,
My heart is so sad to hear the terrible news. I'm so grateful for the friendship we shared. I know you touched many lives...you certainly touched mine. You will forever be missed by many. My prayers are with your family at this incredibly difficult time. xoxo
Megan Morgan
April 4, 2012
John, Bridget, Rachel, Danny, Dale, Michael and Family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful person and brought smiles to the faces of those around him. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
The Bence and Morgan Family
pat o'connor
April 4, 2012
cant believe it, this world is cruel
Bindi Desai
April 4, 2012
Jerry,
I didn't know you well, but I can see you walking through the halls of LHS with a huge smile on your face, greeting everyone you came in contact with. I have no doubt you touched many people in your endeavors after high school, and I'm glad I got the chance to know you. Rest in peace.
Kerry Gross
April 4, 2012
Robin, Katy and Matthew and all of his family and loved ones: we are so sorry to hear of this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless. Kerry and Brian
Kathy and Robert Fraino
April 4, 2012
John, Bridget, Rachel, Danny, Dale, Michael and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a wonderful person inside and out. He always brighten up the room when he would walk in... You are all in my thoughts and prayers... We will miss you Jerry<3
April 4, 2012
John, Bridget and family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great young man who will be missed by all. I will never forget you Jerry until we meet again. We LOVE you Jer.....
Keith Esposito
April 4, 2012
I didn't know Jerry well, but I would see him every year at the Ledyard Fair, working the Boy Scout's grinder booth, and just from these yearly interactions I could tell what a great guy he was. God bless his family.
April 4, 2012
Jerry,
I will always cherish my memories of you. You were such a wonderful and caring man. You blessed us all with your presence and beautiful smile.
Casey N. Ricker (Mystic, CT)
Emmy Llewellyn
April 4, 2012
"In my Father's house there are many mansions. I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 4
Jerry Watkins, friend since 4th grade when Gales Ferry school and Juliet W. Long school combined. You are such a gentle soul and you touched all those who knew you. I never saw you without a smile. I'm going to remember you that way- with that big bright smile. So glad my life was enriched by knowing you. Rest well, my friend.
Denise Murphy
April 4, 2012
May comfort and peace surround the Watkins family at this time.
Jerry, was inspiration for all to follow....I have known Jerry for many years through UCONN and recently through his work with KMK. His smile, his humor, his attitude, will be sorely missed.
God Bless you Jerry!
God Bless you Watkins family.
April 4, 2012
We were devastated and saddened on hearing the news of your loss. You are all in our hearts and prayers for strength. May the love of friends and family give you a measure of comfort.
Your friends,
Dave and Judy Brown
April 4, 2012
Bridget snd the whole Berry family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you...he was a one of kind!!!!
Jessica Raffield
April 4, 2012
Jerry,
May your family have peace knowing they have a guardian angel to watch over them. We are very sorry for your family's loss and are here for you if you guys need anything. The Raffield/VanCise Family
Kristin Zaccaro
April 4, 2012
Although we weren't close, it still hurts to think that you are gone. I am glad that God graced us with your presence, even if it was for much too short. Enjoy heaven.
thomas Gionet
April 4, 2012
Gerry you will be missed . You were an inspiration to so many people. We know that you are in Gods Hands With Love and prayers Tom & Olive Gionet
Alan&Betty Bardfield
April 4, 2012
So sad to hear of this loss. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Family and Friends.
Patrick & Tammy Krebs
April 4, 2012
Jerry, you are loved by so many people and we will truly miss your humor, your smile, and your extensive knowledge of just about everything. We will miss seeing you on the river and the fishing reports. God Speed Jerr~Bear and we will one day meet again. To your family and all who love you: May the wonderful memories give you peace during this time. Cherish those memories and they will forever warm your hearts.
Patrick and Tammy Krebs
Stephen Rogers
Jack Balint
April 4, 2012
Such suprising and extremely sad news.
Jerry you made a great and lasting impression on everyone you met.
You will surely be missed.
Capt. Jack Balint
Bob Spencer
April 4, 2012
It is faith, that allows me to understand God's master plan. I have faith that God needed an angle with the strength and resiliency that Jerry had. Jerry may have had some down time but I never saw it in the way he lived life. May God bless his soul and all of his family and friends. I love you Jerry!
Bob
Diane Moran
April 4, 2012
Bridget,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Janet Hansen
April 4, 2012
Dear Family we are so sorry and send our love and prayers to you all. Jerry was a bright star and such an inspiration to everyone. We know that he is in the arms of Nana, Nanutz and all the Pignataros in heaven. God Bless Jerry. Love from the James Pignataro, Sr. Family - Edna, Janet, Jim, Grace Maria, Dan and Patti.
Kelly Ann Miceli
April 4, 2012
Jerry~May your Beautiful Spirit live on in all those who knew you and were lucky to call you Friend. I'll never forget your infectious Laugh and Smile....
Heartfelt Sympathy~Kelly Ann Miceli (Lisbon,CT)
April 4, 2012
Jerry~May your Beautiful Spirit live on in all those who knew you and were lucky to call you Friend. I'll never forget your infectious Laugh and Smile....
Heartfelt Sympathy~Kelly Ann Miceli (Lisbon,CT)
Aunt Berta
April 4, 2012
Jer Bear, you will be missed here by all who love ya. Your now walking with the lord. See ya when I see ya in heaven!
Mark & Sally Sylvia
April 4, 2012
We will always remember Jerry for his unending smile and laughter. The picture here is a perfect example of how you always encountered him . He truly enjoyed life and was such an example of making the most of what you have and actually being happy with it. We will miss him.
Dale & Alayne Treadway
April 4, 2012
We were so very shocked and distraught with the terrible news of Jerry's sudden and untimely death.
Jerry was a fine, very smart, hard working young man, well liked in the community. He was like one of our own kids, which we thought of him as!
I grew up with his name sake Paternal Grandfather, and we are good friends with Gerald I, and his wife Joan, we are also friends and neighbors of his Maternal Grandparents as well. Our hearts go out to all his family.
He will be sadly missed and we mourn his passing greatly!
Shirley and Alexis Smith
April 4, 2012
Son Jerry, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, you will always live on in our memories.
Marianne Hood
April 4, 2012
Although it has been a long time since I have seen him,Jerry went to school in his younger days with my son,and he always was smiling and never let anything stand in his way,he was an inspiration to all who had the honor of coming in contact with him. I am so sorry for your loss.His memory will live on in the hearts of many. God bless you all,
Brenda Schafer-Libera
April 4, 2012
Bridget and family, my thoughts and prayers to you.
Bob Spencer
April 4, 2012
It is faith, that allows me to understand God's master plan. I have faith that God needed an angle with the strength and resiliency that Jerry had. Jerry may have had some down time but I never saw it in the way he lived life. May God bless his soul and all of his family and friends. I love you Jerry!
Bob
Mary Olsson
April 4, 2012
So sorry for your loss. You have my love and support during this trying time. Jerry was a special person who touch all who met him.
Robin Watkins
April 4, 2012
Jerry, it is incomprehensible to me that you are gone. I will miss you so much. I know you will be watching over the ones you loved, so I know that Katy, Matthew and Dale will always have their big brother close by. I love you.
Barry Liberio
April 4, 2012
Jerry, you were a good friend to everyone you knew. Your personality was infectious to all. your soul will live on forever. I will miss you!!
M.A,& Larry Laflamme
April 4, 2012
Our prayers are with you all at this time. This young man was a remarkable person and an inspiration to all.
Robin Watkins
April 4, 2012
Jerry, It is incomprehensible to me that you are gone. You will always have a special place in my heart and I will miss you so much. I know you will be watching over the ones you love, so Katy and Matthew will always have their big brother near them. I love you.
Cathy Discordia
April 4, 2012
Bridget, Bob & Jerry's Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I was so blessed to have known Jerry. He taught me so much about courage and determination. He walked in his first day and took on everything we asked him to do and more. All of us at KMK Groton will miss him, his sense of humor and especially that huge smile.
Carlene Stinnette
April 4, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 4, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Paula Crocker
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