As you can imagine, growing up in Turkey Shoot Jerry stayed busy as one of seven siblings and we all know they have countless stories to tell! In his younger years, Jerry rode his bike up and down the hills and canyons of Miami with his buddy John to deliver the Silver Belt all while being a part of the Boy Scouts and serving as an altar boy at OLBS church in Miami. From a young age, his parents instilled in their family a love for the great outdoors, which would remain with Jerry throughout his life. He loved any and all time spent outdoors with his family and friends, from hunting at Dripping Springs, to fishing at Big Lake, or camping at the river. Jerry spent his last few years of his life doing what he loved most… fishing at Roosevelt with his best friend, Ernie. Always up for an adventure, he took up running after many years of playing basketball, completing his first marathon at 50 years old.
Growing up, Jerry attended Miami schools including Buena Vista, George Washington/Lower Miami and Miami High School. He graduated from ASU with a degree in chemistry, leading to a great career that took him all over the world. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine, and together they raised their two children, Jeremy and Emily in Tempe, later moving to Chandler. Along with his love of the outdoors, his greatest joy in life was his family. He could not have been prouder of his children. Anyone that was lucky enough to know Jerry knew his first priority was always his family. Regardless if you were his immediate, extended, or just considered family, everyone knew they could always count on him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Guero and Cuca Padilla and his sister, Diane Velasquez. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, his children, Jeremy and Emily, and his siblings Steven (Pat), Robert (Barb), George (Collette), Gina, Thomas (Johanna) and brother in law, Victor. He is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, John and Neva Mendiola, sisters-in-law, Sheryl and Kerri, and brother-in-law, John. He leaves behind his many nieces and nephews and their families - Jason, Matthew, Brian, Allison, Brandon, Kyle, Max, Julia, Alicia, Andrea, Andrew, Steven, Michael, Alexa, Jarrod, Rhianna, Robbie, Jacob and Jensen. As a testament to his character he was lucky to be a Nino to many God children, including Paul, Jason, Rhianna, Brianna, Brian, Robbie, Michael, Everly & Callie. He was blessed with a large supportive family and cherished his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Assisting the family: Green Acres Mortuary. Services will be private.
Jerry’s family would love to hear your fond memories of him at www.greenacresmortuary.net
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.6