Mr. Jerome "Jerry" L. Gerl, 85, of Bethlehem died Sunday June 5th, 2011 at Waterbury Hospital. He was the husband of Doris S. (LeVine) Gerl.
Jerry was born November 7, 1925, a son of the late Harry and Bessie (Esrig) Gerl. Jerry Gerl was a first generation American. He took great pride in that. His parents emigrated from Eastern Europe. He was born in a house in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. He went to New Utrich High School and then joined the Army Air Corp. He served in Okinawa helping to put together the main radio station there and saw some flying time. After WWII he put himself through UConn on the GI bill where he joined the Fraternity Phi Epsilon and made some of his lifelong friends. He also met the love of his life, Doris Susan LeVine. They met at a frat dance through her cousin Lenny who was his fraternity brother. Their second date was at Lenny and Barbara's wedding. Jerry also helped his father for many years in the family business, Platts Delicatessen in Hartford.
Jerry and Doris married on July 7th, 1957. It was the beginning of an amazing life together. Jerry joined the Internal Revenue Service serving as a treasury agent, undertaking criminal and fraud work. Jerry and Doris both worked very hard to provide for their family. In 1970 they moved to Bethlehem, Connecticut where they bought the house of their dreams.
Jerry had a very distinguished 30 year career with the IRS, which included secret service detail. The day after retiring from the IRS, he started his second distinguished career as an inspector for the state of Connecticut in the Medicaid fraud unit. He had many special assignments over the years including guarding Nixon and Humphrey when they were in Connecticut, being loaned out to NY State for a huge case that they were working, some large surveillance cases and some undercover work. Throughout his careers and his life, honesty and integrity were always first priorities.
Jerry was proud of the fact that he came from nothing and built such a wonderful life. He worked hard alongside Doris to build a life that they and their children could be proud of. He was a wonderful father who always had time to listen and help. He would play games with the children all the time. He couldn't carry a tune when he sang but he did try and it always made his daughters laugh. He and Doris raised them to be strong, caring and independent women. They led by example. Over the years, Jerry and Doris helped many people in times of trouble and distress. They worked as a team to make sure that everyone felt the love that they had.
Jerry leaves a large legacy; he leaves his wife Doris of almost 54 years, 3 daughters, Lori Kane of Mildenhall, UK, Donna Whitlock of Bethlehem and Heidi Murray of Bethlehem, 6
grandchildren, Jeremy Whitlock, Julie Kane, Joshua Whitlock, Jordan Whitlock, Cody Murray and Jessica Kane, 2 sons-in-law, Norman Kane of Mildenhall, UK and Mark Cole of Bethlehem, a nephew, Skip Rackmill, a niece Elise and cousins Steven and Reva Esrig. He was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Rackmill.
In addition to his family, Jerry leaves the many friends he has gained through the years that will greatly miss him. It also must be mentioned that he will be missed by his dear friend Shamus, the Norfolk terrier that has been his constant companion and protector during his illness.
The family would like to thank the staff at Waterbury Hospital for the amazing care they gave him. They allowed him his dignity.
He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and friend.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or the American Cancer Society 825 Brook St. I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, Ct 06067-3045.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: A memorial service will be held at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 2 School St., on Thursday June 9th at 7pm. A reception will follow at the Painted Pony Restaurant in Bethlehem.

Visitation: Friends may call from 6pm until the time of service.