Gerald Lee Reed

Gerald Lee Reed, 67, of Thornton, CO passed away surrounded by his family and friends on May 4, 2025. Jerry was born on November 15, 1957, in Denver, CO. His parents were Al and Mildred Reed. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and a true CU Buff fan. Jerry is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Rosalie; his children, Rebecca (Aseem), Tammy (Jeff) and Jeremy (Lindsay); and his grandchildren, Landen, Cameron, Kyla, Tinley, Kira, Lexi, Cali, Shellbie and Morgan; and his sister Darlene.

Jerry had a large family and loved every moment he had with them. He left behind many extended family members including his brothers-in-law Richard, Roderick, Michael, and Rodney (deceased); his sisters-in-law Barbara, Carol, Cindy, Jackie and Susan (deceased); and his mother-in-law Janice.

Jerry graduated from Lincoln High School and made many lifelong friends along the way. He was known for valuing friendships and remained friends with his long-time childhood friend, Vint Preston until his passing. Friendships with Jerry lasted forever. His best friends of over 47 years, Ronnie and DeeAnn, were not only friends, but family. Rose’s cousin Ed was considered a brother to Jerry due to their strong bond. He loved large gatherings with his friends and neighbors. It was sometimes hard to get Jerry to smile and laugh but when he did, it was genuine. We all cherish those moments and wouldn’t hesitate to take a picture to document the occasion.

He had many jobs in his career which included AR Wilfley & Sons, National Wire & Stamping, Accellent, MedSource, Sierra Nevada and many more. He ended his working life with Colorado Parks and Wildlife which was not only a job, but a hobby that he enjoyed.

Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, golfing and traveling. Jerry absolutely loved sports and had a databank of sports knowledge that he could spout out at any moment. Rose always joked with Jerry, calling it “useless knowledge”.

Everyone who knew Jerry, knew he was the CU Buffaloe’s biggest fan. He absolutely loved tailgating and attending CU football games. He loved football in general. He spent many years with his brother-in-laws watching CU vs Nebraska games. He made sure he would never miss a Denver Bronco game. He loved to root for anyone except the Broncos, regardless of who it was, just to get under the skin of all the true fans in the room, including Rose. The trash talking brought out a lot of laughs and smiles that we all will cherish. We all know he was truly a Bronco fan; he’d just never admit it.

Jerry loved cruising and traveling all over to see his family and grandkids. He took many trips to Wisconsin to visit his sister and enjoy the Cheese Day festivities. He was so proud to say that he was at every grandkid’s birth. That’s what family meant to Jerry.

Jerry had many joys and passions in life. His one true passion was spending time with his wife, Rose. If Jerry wasn’t calling Rose to say “I Love You” every hour, then we all knew something was wrong. He and Rose were constantly on the go, attending so many events and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. After all the running around, he loved relaxing on his couch with a glass of wine in one hand and Rose’s hand in the other as they watched every Netflix movie they ever made.

Jerry’s 67 years was not long enough for us, but he filled our lives with so many memories and love that we will cherish forever. The most important thing in life was to have his family and friends by his side. We were there for him to the end and will continue to share his stories forever. Jerry’s love for Rose is a love that is impossible to recreate and something she will cherish forever. We are all comforted in knowing Jerry can now play 18 holes of golf in heaven without his knees hurting. We know Jerry will be rooting on the Buffs (and Denver Broncos) from heaven and will be watching all his kids and grandkids grow up as if he was here with us.

A service and celebration of life will be held on May 23, 2025, at 11am at the Buffalo Run Golf Course covered outdoor pavilion, 15700 E 112th Ave, Commerce City, CO 80022. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jerry’s honor to CURESMA.org. If you chose to send flowers, please send to 15895 Columbine St, Thornton, CO 80602.