Gerald Jerry"" L. Mikan

Gerald “Jerry” L. Mikan, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 1, 2017, with his wife, Barbara by his side. Jerry was born April 25, 1949 in Hartford to the late Philip and Julie (Pazda) Mikan. He is a graduate of Wethersfield High School. Jerry went on to be a pipe fitter for CT Natural Gas for many years and spent the past few years enjoying his retirement. Jerry loved life and was passionate about many things, but most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, Pipa and JJ, son, brother, uncle, and friend. A few of Jerry’s passions were being a drummer, a hockey coach, a softball coach, and he was definitely not a “happy camper” when the Whalers left Hartford. Like his father, Jerry loved a good Western. In his free time he was able to hone his grilling skills and was recently “robbed” of the chili cook off champ title. Jerry was excited about his garden this year and never missed happy hour pool with his buddies at his favorite hangout, the Old Town Cafe. Those who knew him would expect long discussions of his recipes and/or his politics. Jerry had an infectious laugh and he was sarcastic and witty. He appreciated the same qualities in the people he surrounded himself with.

Along with his wife, Jerry will be dearly missed by his daughter, Natalie (his little sparrow), her partner Todd, and their children, Lucas, Jack, Megan and Shannon; his son, Erik (Zeke) and his children, Cosmo and Maya; stepson, Stephen Shapiro, wife Kathy, and their children, Anthony, Nolan, Brycen and Kendall. He also leaves his brother, Phil; “sister” Alex; nephews and nieces, Phil, Matt, Jess, Jameth and Becca, as well as a plethora of friends, also known as his extended family.

Friends may call at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield on Saturday (July 8) from 10:30 a.m.-12 noon followed by a Memorial Service at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to The American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492 or https://donatenow.heart.org. To share a memory of Jerry with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.