Gerald ‘Jerry’ Richard Ingley, man of many talents
Gerald "Jerry" Richard Ingley, 73, of Lewes and Gaithersburg, Md., passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare, after a short battle with COVID-19. He was born Dec. 20, 1946, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Edmond and Irene Ingley.
Jerry was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, Md., class of 1964, and held a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Baltimore. He was a decorated Navy veteran, a two-tour Vietnam survivor, a career intelligence analyst, and a patriot who loved and respected his country.
He was a talented musician, singer/songwriter, novelist, composer, photographer, fisherman, golfer and an avid reader. In his time, Jerry rode and raced motorcycles, played in rock bands, played in a three-piece band (when he met his wife, Claire), and played keyboard and sang solo in local establishments in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Millsboro. He always enjoyed playing and singing at friends' home parties, as well. In his later years, Jerry took up the brush, painting in acrylics and watercolors. He was a volunteer at the Lewes Public Library and Children’s Beach House. And he was, of course, Irish.
Above all, Jerry cherished time spent with those he held most dear. He was a loving and devoted husband, uncle, great-uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother and best friend, Paul Ingley; his sister-in-law, Kathi Ingley; and a host of grandparents, aunts, uncles and in-laws who influenced his life. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Claire B. Ingley, with whom he shared a wonderful life, filled with family and friends, lots of love and laughter, travels and music. He is also survived by his nephew, Kevin Ingley and his wife Myra; his niece, Michele Ingley; his great-nephew, Brian Ingley; his great-niece, Deena Ingley; and his innumerable cousins, friends and associates he knew and cared for during his lifetime.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at a later date when it is again safe to gather together. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in his memory to one of Jerry's favorite organizations: True Blue Jazz, 32165 Winery Way, Lewes, DE 19958, or www.info@truebluejazz.org, Children's Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958, or Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Jerry's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
