Gerald Jerry Belanger

BELANGER, Gerald, 86, of Sarasota formerly of Detroit, Michigan entered into rest November 10, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; two daughters, Nancy and Linda, three sons, Jerry, Michael, and Robert; step-son, Mark; eight grandchildren, PJ, Amy, Chris, Mike, Emily, Jason, Madenna, Cody; four great-grandchildren,; and brother, Charles. Inurnment to be held 2 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2011 in Sarasota National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Gerald Belanger was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Jerry always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Jerry was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Emile and Albertina Huneault Belanger. Always able to express himself well, Jerry possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Jerry was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Jerry was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Jerry was raised with one sibling, his brother, Chuck. Jerry had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Jerry showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Jerry enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball, and was an alter boy. In his spare time he liked collecting baseball cards and playing cards.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Jerry was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Holy Redeemer High School in 1943. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite courses in high school were the vocational classes.

Friends and acquaintances found Jerry an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Jerry was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Don Smith and his brother, Chuck. Later in life, he became friends with Armond, Morri and Norma Davis, Ed and Ann VanWest, Gene and Sharon Rump, Lois and Ron Charn.

On December 9, 1981 Jerry exchanged wedding vows with Judy Ann Younglove at the Southgate Courthouse in Southgate, Michigan. Jerry was attentive to Judy's feelings, and he charmed Judy and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Jerry was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Jerry identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Jerry was blessed with five children, two daughters, Nancy and Linda, and three sons, Jerry, Michael, and Robert. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, PJ, Amy, Chris, Mike, Emily, Jason, Madenna, Cody.

Jerry was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Jerry’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Jerry was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Jerry could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was in shipping and receiving. He was employed for 41 years with WB Chase Company.

Gerald was an U. S. Army veteran. Jerry was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in the Company A 1343 Engineer Combat Battalion. Gerald saw action in Normandy during World War II. He achieved the rank of Private First Class. He received several awards including a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with two Stars, and Victory Medal. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

Jerry enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were singing and playing cards. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Jerry was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Gerald played baseball. Recreational sports included bowling, fishing and swimming. Jerry was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, golf, and baseball.

Jerry was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Jerry worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Gerald was President of Resident Council in Oakwood Manor.

Jerry was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Jerry was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the American Legion.

Jerry held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member St. Patrick Catholic Church for 20 years.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Jerry truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Las Vegas, and California.

Jerry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Jerry’s favorites were Ralph, a cockatoo and 3-10, a cat. He had Ralph for 10 years and 3-10 for four years.

When Jerry’s retirement finally came in 1987, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Sarasota, Florida. In retirement, he found new pleasure in watching dog races, swimming, and playing cards.

Jerry passed away on November 10, 2011 at his home in Sarasota, Florida. Father Time caught up with him and he died peacefully. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; two daughters, Nancy and Linda, three sons, Jerry, Michael, and Robert; step-son, Mark; eight grandchildren, PJ, Amy, Chris, Mike, Emily, Jason, Madenna, Cody; four great-grandchildren,; and brother, Charles. Graveside services were held at Sarasota National Cemetery with Military Honors. Gerald was laid to rest in Sarasota National Cemetery.

Jerry was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Jerry had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Gerald Belanger.