Jerry Meyer Leialoha Neumann Sr.

Jerry Meyer Leialoha Neumann Sr. passed away on May 29, 2024 at the age of 81. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his strength and courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite his paralysis and never ending pain, he maintained his sense of humor and positive outlook and stayed strong to the very end.

He was born on July 23, 1942 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Along with his twin sister Jerry Jean, and younger sisters Dale (Robinson) and Cindy (Manzano) they were raised by mom Ella in the Punchbowl, Auwaiolimu, and Pauoa areas. Jerry was very active in the community and participated in the various park and neighborhood sports leagues that were available at that time. He attended Pauoa Elementary, Kawananakoa Intermediate and graduated from McKinley High School in 1960.

In 1962 he met the love of his life Julia at a social dance event. Julia and her friends where on one side of hall and Jerry was among the men on the other side. A disagreement about who was going to ask Julia to dance arose and was taken outside to settle, Jerry prevailed. It was love at first fight, sorry, first sight thereafter. Jerry and Julia were married in 1964 and together had three children, Jerry Jr ’64, James (Jimbo) ’67 and Jill (Jiji) ’71.

After marriage Jerry worked various jobs, two to three at times to provide for his family. In the latter part of the 1960’s he graduated from the Honolulu Community College Carpentry apprentice program as Carpenter Journeyman. He was hired by Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, later moved to the Lahaina Pier and Pile Construction Company and lastly on to Healy Tibbits Builders. During his career, he helped to build the H-1, H-2 and H-3 highways, numerous buildings in and around downtown Honolulu, Waikiki and on Maui and Hawaii Islands. He helped in building, widening and modernizing bridges, piers and marine facilities around Oahu, Honolulu Harbor, Kaneohe Marine base and Pearl Harbor. He played many seasons in the construction intramural Mountain Ball, Soft Ball, Basketball and Volleyball sports leagues. Jerry retired as a Carpenter Foreman and remained a participating member of the Carpenter’s Union until his passing.

Jerry was avid member in the community, dedicating more than half of his life to public service. He was both a baseball coach and a member of the board with Pop Warner football.

He first served as the Bronco, ages 11-12, baseball head coach at Lanakila AC in Police Activities League (PAL) in 1976. The following year he was named head coach at the Pony level (13-14) and in 1978 he was appointed as the Pony head coach at Pauoa AC. He remained as the Pauoa head coach for the next 15 years where he was able to lead his team to two championships.

As an Oahu Pop Warner (OPW) Football Association board member, in 1977 Jerry was elected as their Travel Director. In 1978 he was selected as President where he remained ‘til 2020. During his tenure he worked diligently to develop the program here on Oahu and to bolster Hawaii football. By the end of his term, his efforts resulted in the expansion from two age divisions to six, several football and cheerleading national championships, and solidified the OPW program as a national powerhouse. Thousands upon thousands of youths participated in the OPW program during Jerry’s tenure. Through his efforts, dedication, and hard work our youth were provided with the opportunity to participate in football and cheerleading in a safe and healthy environment.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Julia, sons Jerry and Jim and daughter Jiji. He was the proud papa of 9 grand kids and 2 great-grand kids.

Jerry will be honored with a Celebration of Life, July 14, 2024, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hawaiian Memorial Park, 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744. His strength, dedication and love for his family and community will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.