Gerard Henry Lilley

‘Jerry’ was born on the peninsula of Rockaway, at the southern edge of Queens, New York on Long Island. He later grew up in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, New York. As a boy Jerry was given the nickname “white-y” because of his sun-drenched hair from spending his days near the water, living between the Rockaway Beach and Jamaica Bay. Jerry loved the ocean, seafood, sports- especially the AZ D-Backs, humming a song, his many dogs over the years, and most of all his Wife Marie and Family.

At an early age Jerry’s work ethic was apparent and he was said to hold five jobs on Saturdays, making him the only kid on the block with money in his pocket. Having a strong work ethic was something Jerry valued and he worked late in life until the age of 81. At 18 years old Jerry joined the Military and was in the US Army Signal Corp. Upon returning home, Jerry graduated from RCA School for Electronics and began a career in the computer field. He initially worked at Burroughs Corporation and has three Daughters with his first Wife, Janet McCall, where they raised their three Daughters in Red Bank, NJ.

Jerry’s faith was ingrained early, and as a young boy he served as an altar server and later in life an Usher as well as an ‘Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion’ at St Timothy’s in Mesa, AZ. Jerry’s faith was a foundation of strength in his life. He enjoyed the many blessings of St. Tim’s events such as the ‘Men of Iron’ yearly retreats, the annual Father Son camp out, which he enjoyed bringing his Grandson Nicholas and the annual Father-Daughter dance, to which he brought his Granddaughter Emilee every year.

Jerry was a very protective Father. He said he was always glad he had three Girls. His Daughters have so many memories; Family Sunday breakfasts where music was always playing, sailing trips along the East Coast, camping escapades and memorable trips to their vacation home in the Poconos. Jerry was an excellent dancer and was known to twirl his dance partners around the floor. Jerry loved to drive and spent many a vacations driving his Family up and down the East coast with hilarious and cherished memories made.

In 1982, Jerry moved his Family to the Valley of the Sun in Arizona to begin what would be a successful IT business. He spent his remaining years in Gilbert, Arizona, eventually marrying his Wife Marie in 2001, where they built a home together where Jerry lived out the rest of his days. Their lives were enveloped by Church, Family, wonderful neighbors and making beautiful memories with both their adult children and many Grandchildren that followed. In the early years you would find Jerry swimming 120 laps in their pool, barbecuing and loving his hometown teams, the DBacks and Cardinals.

Jerry leaves behind his Wife Marie, for what would be 22 years on November 3rd, 2023. Jerry is survived by his three Daughters, Pamela White, (Robert), of Mesa, AZ, Bettina Roberts, (Chris), of San Diego, CA, Amanda Palmay, (John) of Celina, TX, and his former Wife Janet (Lilley) Bickley, Celina, TX. Jerry also leaves behind his Grandchildren, Emilee Galsim (Nico) of Gilbert, AZ, Nicholas Palmay, of Celina, TX, Christopher Roberts Jr, Baker Roberts of San Diego, CA and his great granddaughters Remee Rose, Kenadee Taylor, with Chloee Galsim on the way. Jerry also leaves behind his stepchildren and grandchildren, Michelle Faulkner, (Eric) of Chandler l, AZ, with their two Sons, Trey and Gavin, and Dan Gerz and Wife Chey, and their children, Zak and Xander many Nieces and Nephews.

Jerry is predeceased by his Parents, Elizabeth, and Henry Lilley as well as his two siblings, MaryJane Raymond (John) and Irene Puma, (Jack).

Jerry was a soul with a loving heart who easily connected with people. His love for his Family and Friends was immeasurable, as is our loss in his passing. A Funeral Mass will be held at St Tim’s Catholic Church in Mesa AZ at 10 am on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023.