Gerald Bottorff

Gerald “Jerry” Bottorff, age 75, of Toms River passed away on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022.  Gerald was born and raised in Newark, NJ where he attended Sacred Heart School.  He lived in Fairview, then Beachwood, before settling in Toms River, NJ where he lived with his beloved wife and children for 30 years.

A veteran, Gerald proudly served as an indirect fire crewman for the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. Gerald went on to serve as a Sergeant in the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department for 25 years.  He held positions within the Department’s BSI Division, SWAT Team and spent the majority of his career in the Superior Court Division.  Additionally, Gerald served as a volunteer fireman within the Grandview Firehouse in Fairview, NJ.

Aside from his love and dedication to his family, Gerald enjoyed working in his “shop”, daily lotto scratch offs, big cups of coffee, the History Channel, listening to classic rock and connecting with people on his CB radio. He loved Honda Gold Wing motorcycles and reminisced about the rides he took as a member of the Jersey Knights Motorcycle Club. 

Gerald will be remembered for his sense of humor, quirky jokes, sarcastic personality and funny t-shirts.  He made quick friends with everyone he came in contact with - from the postal worker, UPS delivery person, pizza delivery driver, convenience store worker and the hardware clerk.  He will be greatly missed by all and never forgotten.

Gerald was predeceased at a very young age by his father and mother, William and Martha (Ratajski) Bottorff and later by his brothers, John Stein, Robert Bottorff and Stanley Bottorff.

Gerald is survived by his beautiful wife of 39 years, Catherine (Bruno) Bottorff; daughters, Christine Stesney (Robert), Heather Petro (Edward), Jennifer Eannone (Frank); and sons Jessie Bottorff & William Bottorff.  He is also survived by his brothers, Martin Bottorff and Peter Bottorff and his treasured mother-in-law, Rita Bruno.  Gerald was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who lovingly nicked named him “Unk”.

A private cremation and interment will be held at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Gerald's name to the VFW at vfw.org. Gerald proudly supported the VFW's programs which help struggling veterans, brave service members and proud military families.