Gerald "Jerry" Van Wagner Jr., 50, of Watertown, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 30, 2017 at his home.  Jerry was born on July 14, 1966 in Bridgeport, son of the late Gerald Van Wagner, Sr. and Diane Van Wagner of Bethel.  He is preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Helen (Matusewicz) Van Wagner and Hulett and Pauline Kincaid.

Jerry grew up in Monroe and spent many weekends fishing and boating with his family on Long Island sound. As an artistic person, he was able to combine his childhood hobby of painting and his love of antiques to become a self-employed painter, where you will find his work on many of the antique homes in Woodbury.

Jerry's creativity expanded into the kitchen with a knack of recreating recipes by simply taking a taste.  His BBQ chicken pizza was always in high demand by the Lewes, Delaware beach crew.

Jerry was a devoted and loving father.  He leaves two sons, Austin Van Wagner of Cheshire, son of Diane Giannelli Weller and Greyson Van Wagner of Woodbury, son of Susan Brown Van Wagner. The three shared a special bond and created many memories.  They volunteered annually with the Woodbury Lions club setting up luminaria on Christmas Eve and becoming scary creatures of the night at the Haunted Hayride.  He also leaves a sister, Mary Kim Finaldi, and niece, Victoria Gracy of Bethel.
Jerry was a loving and generous person who will be sadly missed by all.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North in Southbury.