Gerald George Shimansky

He was born March 11, 1937 in Jessup, PA to Louis and Anna Shimansky. He was the youngest of 4 brothers and 1 sister.

At an early age the family relocated to Belleville, NJ where he completed middle school and high school. It was during this time he met the love of his life Elaine Zarra.

After high school, his mother packed him a lunch and told him not to return until he had a job. He landed a position as a typesetter for many high end glossy magazines. He worked in this capacity until his retirement at age 62.

Jerry and Elaine married in 1958. They began married life in Newark, NJ. Moving to Lake Hiawatha and then to White Meadow Lake as their family continued to grow. During this time Jerry was involved in the Swim Teams, Sailing Clubs and Volunteer Fire Department.

After a short time of owning and operating a campground in North Carolina, they settled in Verona, NJ and then on to Bayville, NJ.

After retirement, Jerry and Elaine split their time between Toms River, NJ and Estero, FL. Where they escaped the cold winter months of New Jersey to enjoy the warmth and sunshine of Florida.

Throughout this period, Jerry and Elaine enjoyed time with friends and family, entertaining, golfing, woodworking. His cork trivets, back scratchers, and wood carvings were loved by everyone.

In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Elaine; one son, Gerald Shimansky Jr.; and one grandson, James Gerald Doran.

He is survived by his 3 children, Michael and his wife LeeAnn Shimansky, Karen and her husband Fred Davis, Laurie and her husband Michael Williams.

9 grandchildren - Kate, Michael (Cassandra), Drew and Tierney Shimansky, Evan (Brittany) Doran, Lane Davis, Zarra (David) Lindow, Tully Ann and Michael Williams. Along with James’s wife Patty Doran.

4 great children - Roslyn and Sydney Shimansky, Troy Doran, and David Lindow.

Along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

A funeral mass will be held on February 28, 2026 at 12:00PM, at St Maximilian Church, 130 St Maximilian Lane, Toms River, NJ 08757.

All are invited to a Repast immediately following at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 815 NJ-37, Toms River, NJ 08755.