Gerald Omer Stahl

WESTERLY - Gerald 'Jerry' Omer Stahl, 82, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, in Mystic, Connecticut, after battling Parkinson's disease with courage and grace. He chose to donate his brain to research, in the hope of providing advances on this neurological disease impacting so many people across the globe.

Born in Oldenburg, Indiana, Jerry was the son of Monica Burdick Stahl and Ollie Stahl. From an early age, he loved being outdoors and active: water skiing, body surfing, playing football, skiing, hiking, and biking. Influenced by his father, a cabinet maker and a farmer, Jerry developed a deep appreciation for working with wood, especially in making folk-art inspired primitive pieces.

The week after graduating from Batesville High School, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he became a masterful aerospace mechanic, working on aircraft carriers. His Naval training and expertise led to his satisfying career at Pratt and Whitney, creating and repairing jet engines. His first date with Margaret took place on the night Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, a moment that perfectly reflected Jerry's lifelong fascination with aviation, space, and history.

Though deeply rooted in his upbringing as an Indiana farm boy, Jerry developed a lifelong love and respect for the ocean. In the summer months, he was happiest at the beach, Fall and winter weekends were often spent leaf-peeping in Vermont and watching football with Ken, especially cheering for his beloved University of Notre Dame, He was also a devoted fan of professional auto racing, following NASCAR and Formula 1 and watching the Indy 500 each year.

A man of many talents, Jerry had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures and the joy found in good company. He loved bar culture - not for excess, but for conversation, laughter, and connection - and it was at a bar where he first met Margaret. Over the years, he became a familiar and welcome presence at places like the Andrea and the Dog Watch, where friendships were nurtured and stories easily shared. He also carried a deep affection for Porsche automobiles and for Germany, embracing his German roots with pride and curiosity.

Above all else, Jerry valued his family and friends. He held a particularly close bond with his sister, Kathy. Together, they cherished being outdoors and embraced life's quiet joys, teaching all of us to slow down and appreciate what truly matters; an enduring gift that will continue to guide us. One of the most treasured memories remains Kathy's celebration of life, when Jerry's grandnieces led the family dancing barefoot and joyfully in the rain, lifting everyone's spirits beyond measure.

Jerry was known for his calm and gentle nature, his dry sense of humor, and his perfectly timed zingers. Those who knew him often spoke of his kindness, generosity, and deep contentment with life. He never sought the spotlight, yet left a lasting impression through his quiet consistency, warmth, and integrity. His many friends will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 54 years, Margaret (Lilley) Stahl, and his only son, Garth Stahl, both of whom reside in Westerly, Rhode Island. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Ron Leising; two cousins Ginny and Janet; ten truly amazing nieces and nephews; twenty-three grandnieces and grandnephews; and two great-grandnieces, all of whom live too far away for frequent visits. No one looked forward more to the bi-annual, week-long family reunions than Jerry. These gatherings were a cherished way for the family to explore new places together, and Jerry could always be found in the middle of it all, doing his best to catch up with everyone before the week was over.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jerry's dear friend-neighbors, Ken, Dolly, Terrie, Tony, and Jim, who visited often and provided steadfast support to Jerry and his immediate family during his courageous journey with Parkinson's disease. A special thanks to several caregivers who did provide so much compassion and support over the last few years.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents; his beloved sister, Kathleen (Stahl) Leising; his cousin, Marlene (Burdick) Kayse; and his young nephew, Nicolai Welsch. May they be resting in peace and ready to welcome Jerry with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Jerry to The Parkinson's Disease Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation , or The American Parkinson's Disease Association (APDA).

Mystic Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of his life will also take place in Indiana this spring.