Gerardo L. Colon was born November 29th, 1960 to Angel and Marta Colon in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was the youngest of 3 children. He lived his childhood and young adult life in San Juan, Pr.  He attended grammar school, graduated high school and completed 3 years of college. His desire in life was always to be a pilot, however, his father had him work in his business of refrigeration, plumbing and electrician, which Jerry mastered. In his adult life his sister Millie, nephew Rolando and niece Sarah all moved to Miami, Florida. He worked at a golf courses and an airport cargo, yet spent most of his time scuba diving and catching lobsters.  Jerry always expressed his love for scuba diving. He referred to the undersea “As a whole different world, full of beauty and full of peace”.

                When his father became ill with cancer, he and his family moved back to San Juan, P.R. to care for their father until he passed. In 1998, Jerry moved to Staten Island, NY where he reunited and became family with Emma, Ruth, David, Kaitlyn and Carole. At first it was a whole new environment, no Caribbean beaches or palm trees. Life now presented many challenges, learning better English to communicate; A faster pace of life. But he took on those challenges and accomplished his goal of well-being. He soon enjoyed Manhattan and Chinatown, Chinatown being his favorite.  Jersey Shore beaches and the Poconos, PA. He enjoyed the snow, animal farms and history of the Native American Indians. He traveled to Washington D.C and Virginia where he absorbed all the history into his patriotic spirit. He enjoyed to the fullest his dream come true with a cruise to the Caribbean where he pretended to be on the Titanic.

He was a beautiful family member, helping wherever he could. Always had love, encouragement and a listening ear for Ruth and David during their adolescent years, compassion, kindness and tenderness to Emma, especially in her times of illness. He was loving, funny and playful with Kaitlyn. He was Carole’s Ace and surrogate in every area of her life. Jerry always said. They shared the true love as spoken in I Corinthians 13. They walked the Journey of life hand in hand knowing only death may separate their bond but never break it. He also remained very close and shared a special bond with his sister Millie. He was proud his niece Sarah became an Airline Stewart. Many beautiful family times where spent with his blended family of Millie and Carole as they shared special and fun moments during holidays, birthdays and vacations.

Jerry had various interest and talents which he enjoyed: Camping, fishing, Animals, children, dancing, baseball (Yankees were his favorite team), anything classic like movies, pictures, furniture or clothes. He loved history especially WWII. He was an intelligent man with knowledge on various subjects; always ready for a good conversation.  He loved music that always brought a dance to his step; Temptations and Frankie Ruiz were his favorites. He was gifted with a sense of humor that would put a smile on anyone’s face. He created art drawings and crafts; it gave him pleasure to share his talent by giving his completed work to others.  Jerry was a gentle, warm, loving and giving man. Never with intent to hurt anyone, always took the time to help anyone along. He was courteous and polite. He was not a perfect man, he made mistakes and he had his regrets. But he was a man of values, morals and integrity. He was a kind soul in a cruel world.

                It was always Jerry’s desire to have his loved ones surround him in last days. His desire was fulfilled with Millie, Sarah, Ruth and Carole. Carole remained holding his hand as the angels came and gently carried him home to heaven where he now rests in the presence of God’s kingdom. Jerry leaves us with these instructions: Keep faith- Have Courage- Find happiness.