Gerald Ackley Lynch “Jerry”

November 17, 1924 - November 26, 2018

Gerald A. Lynch, 94 of Cokesbury Village, Hockessin, DE passed away November 26, 2018. Jerry was born November 17, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Lewis and Florence (Ackley) Lynch. A graduate of The University of Wisconsin (Madison) in 1948, he was a Registered Professional Engineer, a member of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, The Newark Senior Center, First Presbyterian Church, The Newark Historical Society and The 2 X 4 Square Dance Club. He served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific and was named a Paul Harris Fellow in The Rotary International.

At his retirement in 1981, Mr. Lynch was a Senior Consultant in The DuPont Engineering Department. He did research in noise and vibration technology jointly with Larry Mitchell at The Experimental Station and they originated and were the first in the world to use real time analyzers to reduce vibration and noise and improve the performance and design of all types of machinery.

Jerry was preceded by his dear wife of 66 years, Marion Hedding Lynch in 2012 and his brother Donald and sisters Marjorie Giese and Ardith Greene. He is survived by his son Michael K. Lynch and wife Helen of Newark, DE; his daughter Jane Ackley Lynch of New York City; brother Norman of California and sister Charlotte Wesenberg of Wisconsin.

His interests included pencil sketching, watercolor, oil painting, pastel painting, and sculpting. In addition to private holdings, 12 pieces of artwork are in the Lynch Collection at The Newark Historical Society. The Special Collections at The University of Delaware has several sketches of speakers that talked there. Other interests were Nantucket basket making, the stock market, assisting in the construction and scenery painting of about sixty five sets at Chapel Street Players, container gardening, camping and yeast baking, having made over 15,000 English muffins and most of the bread from 1950 to 2015.

Jerry wore a plaid tam-o-shanter, made by his sister Marge, for many years and several thousand people, out of the blue, told him they liked his tam.

A memorial service will be held in Jerry’s honor at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Road, Hockessin, DE 19707 in the auditorium. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to your favorite charity and sent in care of R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711.

RT Foard

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When I was little I would ride my bike in front of his house, he would stand in the way and ask "What's the password!?" I would reply joyously "Tuna Fish!" . Saw him 45 years later at Chapel Street and he asked "What's the password!?" I replied Tuna Fish! We laughed and laughed, he couldn't believe I remembered. I was making tuna fish today and thought of you, thanks for the fond life long memory Mr Lynch.

My parents were the immediate next-door neighbors of Jerry and Marion at Cokesbury. They looked forward to Jerry's homemade English muffins at Christmas. Jerry's muffins were as good - and arguably better - than Thomas'.

Jerry was kind and helpful to my mother following my father's death in 2013. Jerry gave me one of his artworks.

My sincere condolences to all members of the Lynch family.

Jim Denny

It was an honor to meet Jerry at Cokesbury. My folks lived nearby. He was always kind and energetic. He took the time to tell me stories about DuPont Engineering and the pioneering work he did. I shared it with the Rotating Machinery group at DuPont a couple years ago and they indeed noted how important his work was. He was also amazing for his many other talents. Truly a pleasure to know him.

Gerry and Marion were two of my favorite people. My late husband and I became acquainted with them through square dancing, and enjoyed many wonderful conversations with them. Gerry was a man of many interests, always willing to try something new. He was thoughtful to others, and thought deeply and logically about many subjects. While I haven't seen him for several years, I remember him fondly. Nancy Balogh

Dear Jane and Michael, Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. I have fond memories of visits with both your dad and your mom -- they were always so welcoming and interesting to talk with. I have a picture your dad drew hanging on my bedroom wall, and I've kept every one of those beautiful Christmas cards he created. I am praying for your comfort. God bless you,

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)

Will remember is fabulous smile and his animated and interesting conversations. He was a loving brother to our mother Marjorie. Will think of him fondly and thank God he was my uncle. Jennie Boeder

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.