Gerald McMorrow Herlihy Obituary (1936 - 2019)

Gerald McMorrow Herlihy 1936-2019 Old Town Gerald “Jerry” McMorrow Herlihy, 82, passed away at his home on April 5, 2019 surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 2, 1936, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the son of Mary (McMorrow) and Horace Herlihy. Jerry attended Nashua High School, graduating in 1954. He then went on to the University of Vermont through a football scholarship until August of 1955, when he volunteered for the draft and served for two years in the US Army. Upon completion of his service, he returned to UVM to finish his degree. He then earned a graduate degree from Long Island University. Upon graduation Jerry worked in New York teaching at Commack High School and then Roosevelt High School. He and his family came to Maine in 1966 to work at the Hyde School in Bath. At Hyde, Jerry coached many sports, including track, soccer, football and skiing. In 1970, he moved to Orono to start the Onward Program at the University of Maine. While at the University, Jerry spent his professional career helping students achieve their dreams of obtaining a college degree. Jerry retired at the age of 62 to spend time with his family, becoming a stay at home dad. During retirement, Jerry spent his days traveling with his family and enjoying his favorite game of golf. He was a long time member of Penobscot Valley Country Club. Jerry was actively involved in the local Democratic Party, as well as being on the City of Old Town school board. He was an avid gardener and spent many days working outdoors with his dog, Baxter. He was an avid hiker, completing many treks to the peak of Mount Katahdin with students and family; he also enjoyed canoeing. Jerry cared for others and would always lend a hand when people were in need, and he would be their strongest supporter. He could frequently be spotted at the local Hannaford where he developed friendships with many of the employees. Jerry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dr. Betty McCue-Herlihy, his four children: Jim Herlihy and his wife Courtney of New Jersey, Jean Herlihy of Brunswick, Gerald Carreiro and his husband Cole of Connecticut, and T.J. Herlihy and his wife Emily of Orono; and his 8 grandchildren: Summer, Ryan, Jenna, Kate, Derek, Jesse, Kiernan and Camden. He is also survived by his brothers Horace Herlihy of Guam and T.J. Herlihy of New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Joyce and his parents Horace and Mary Herlihy. He is remembered fondly by countless friends and extended relatives. A special thanks to his caregiver and friend, Brenda Davis of Old Town for taking such good care of him. A special thank you as well to Beacon Hospice. Visiting hours will be at Birmingham Funeral Home 438 Main St Old Town, Friday, April 12th from 5-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am, Saturday April 13th, 2019, at the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord in Old Town. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. The family invites family and friends to share memories, conversation and refreshments at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono after the funeral.