Gerald Thomas McNellan

2024, after a long and courageous battle with a malignant chordoma, a rare type of tumor.

He was born in Rochester, New York on April 11, 1956, one of five children born to parents Edward “Ted” F. and Joan D. (Loewenguth) McNellan. Jerry attended Cardinal Mooney High School, the State University New York at Delhi and Monroe Community College. He graduated with an associate degree in 1976 and began his lifelong career in the telephone communications business in 1977. After moving to Boulder, Colorado in 1979, Jerry began work the following year at Comcoa of Colorado, Inc. in Denver, where he met Bonnie Jennings, his “match made in heaven.” The couple wed in 1985 and enjoyed nearly 39 wonderful years of marriage. Together with their sons, Matt and Mark, they formed life-long friendships and enjoyed countless campouts, adventures and celebrations with family and friends.

Jerry began his career with Trident Telephone & Electronics in Boulder in 1981 and became a part owner in 1983. Siblings Dan and Mike later joined the company, and under Jerry’s guidance, the three brothers built a successful family business that served thousands of loyal customers along the Front Range for 46 years. As a reliable, well-respected businessman with an impeccable work ethic, Jerry was the backbone of Trident Telephone. He cared deeply for his customers, carefully shepherding each job from start to finish until his illness forced him to retire in 2023.

A gifted athlete, Jerry played softball for a Trident Telephone-sponsored team that won 20 City of Boulder championships. He also enjoyed golf, fishing, his 1967 Ford Fairlane and his treasured dog, Poppy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Joan McNellan, his mother-in-law Lucille Jennings and father-in-law, Jerry Jennings. He is survived by his wife Bonnie and beloved sons Matthew and Mark; sisters Patricia Tracy and Ann Leer (Brendan); brothers Daniel (Mary Burke) and Michael (Mary Reilly); nieces Carrie Archer (David), Bridget Tracy (Brian), Claire McNellan (Neal), Emily McNellan, and Joanie Leer; nephew Kevin Tracy (Nicole); sister-in-law Cindy Musterman (Mark); brother-in-law Donald Jennings, several grandnephews, a grandniece, and many cousins and relatives.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father and friend to many. He will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and positive outlook—especially during his illness. At the end, he reassured family members with the words, “It’s all good.”

Burial will be at Ryssby Cemetery in Longmont, CO with a celebration of life in Boulder at a later date. Crist Mortuary of Boulder is assisting with arrangements, and online condolences may be shared at http://www.dignitymemorial.com.

Donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to the charity of your choice.