Gerald Francis Wennlund

Born and raised in New York, Jerry attended St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Hempstead, Long Island and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Fordham University. After completing his undergraduate studies, he served with honor in the United States Navy as a signalman aboard the USS Charleston and the USS Robert H. McCard.

Following his military service, Jerry relocated to Florida, where he earned both an MBA and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida. He’d also become a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional through the HFMA. He had a heart of service and dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services (PEMHS), where he served as Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Executive Officer. Jerry was widely regarded as a visionary leader and fierce advocate for accessible, quality mental health care. By the time of his retirement, he was recognized as a living legend in the field.

His dedication to the community extended far beyond his professional life. Jerry served on the Board of Directors for the Pinellas Park Mid-County Chamber of Commerce, was Co-Chair of the Children’s Mental Health Initiative Steering Committee, and was actively involved with the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network and the Florida Council for Community Mental Health Board. He was a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and an active Rotarian with the Pinellas Park Rotary Club, where he held numerous leadership roles, including Club President. His service was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award and the 2010 Rotarian of the Year Award.

A proud veteran, Jerry also served for many years in the Honor Guard, providing military funeral honors to fellow service members. Throughout his life, Jerry’s faith in the Lord was steadfast. He and Cheryl found great fellowship at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Jerry was an active parishioner and a dedicated usher.

An avid runner, Jerry completed two half marathons with his daughter, Alyssa, and had several Top 3 finishes in local 5K races. He embraced the Florida outdoors and loved spending time with his family fishing, boating, and camping (in an RV). He’d often be found pacing the house with a fishing rod in hand, especially if the Bucs or Lightning were losing. In retirement he picked up photography and taught himself to play the guitar.

Jerry will be most remembered for his kindness, patience, and intellect. He was a charismatic story teller with quick wit and a dry sense of humor. While Jerry was many things to many people, his greatest joy came from being “Papa” to Patrick and Ellie. He treasured their time together—especially Saturday mornings spent at the ballpark and playground.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Wennlund and Dolores Neyland Wennlund, and his brother, Terence Wennlund. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl; his daughters, Alyssa Harley (Michael), Kara Wennlund, and Erica Wennlund; his beloved grandchildren, Patrick and Elizabeth Harley; and his brother, John Wennlund (Cathy).

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (13312 Cain Road, Tampa) on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Jerry’s memory.