Gerald “Jerry” R. Leahy, age 87, passed away on May 3, 2021 at Calvert Manor Healthcare in Rising Sun, MD.
A loving father, Jerry will be fondly remembered for his passion for playing sports, his enjoyment of coaching his sons’ football and baseball teams, his encouragement of his daughters’ horseback-riding competitions, his love of working on the farm, and his delight in wood working.
Jerry was born in Philadelphia, PA, on September 28, 1933 to the late Joseph Leo and Anna (Boylan) Leahy. A graduate of Christ Our King Grade School and Newark High School, Jerry was proud of being a starting offensive and defensive lineman on Newark High School’s football team when they won the state championship in 1951 and 1952.
Jerry married Joan (Lehane) in 1956 and lived on a farm in Newark where they raised five children together. He built a horse barn on the farm, and helped run a business boarding horses and giving horseback lessons for many years. Jerry also worked for Chrysler Corporation as a tool and die maker for thirty years. He later settled in Conowingo, MD and married Ruby (Hartsoe) in 1990.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, brother Joseph, sisters Mary and Joan (Bartley), his wives Joan and Ruby, and oldest son, Kevin Patrick Leahy.
Jerry is survived by his children: Maureen (Richard) Remedio of Lewes, DE; Shawn (Ana) of Coconut Creek, FL; Jerry, Jr (Karen) of New Cumberland, PA; Eileen (Rick) Exum of Middletown, DE; stepson Timothy (Teresa) Hartsoe of Conowingo, MD; stepdaughter Sandy Geiger of Lancaster, PA; daughter-in-law Kim (Green) of Salisbury, MD; brother-in-law Daniel (Betty Jane) Lehane; and sister-in- law Susan Lehane. Jerry leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation at R.T. Foard and Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St, Newark, DE 19711 on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, from 9:30- 11:00 am. The service will follow at 11 am. Burial will be private.