Gerald ‘Jerry’ McCann Sr., passionate painter

Gerald “Jerry” Paul McCann Sr., 87, of Millsboro, formerly of Wilmington, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.

Jerry was born in Burlington, Iowa Nov. 11, 1933, son of the late Paul F. McCann and the late Doris E. (Ford) McCann.  He graduated from Burlington Catholic High at Old St. Paul School in Burlington, Iowa.  Jerry also was a member of the Iowa National Guard, and served four years in the U.S. Air Force.

He worked for Boeing for 19 years, as well as owned and operated a gas station for many years. He retired from Kaiser Engineering.  Jerry was an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races. He loved living near the ocean and spending time boating and fishing. Jerry was a passionate painter, creating beautiful scenes on canvas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Barr McCann; a son, Jay Phillip McCann; two stepsons, Jerry Coulbourne and Doug Engle; a grandson, James McCann; and three sisters, JoAnn Latta, Jane Griffel and Jill McCann.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla McCann; four daughters, Joy (John) McNally, Julie (Jerry) Nastoga, Gayle Shinault and Ginger McCann, and a stepdaughter, Donna McCann; two sons, Gerald Paul McCann Jr. and James McCann; and a stepson, Bill Engle.  Jerry is also survived by two sisters, Joyce (Joseph) Walz and Jan (Bob) Green; a brother, Jim McCann; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild on the way.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 20, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where a prayer service will begin at 10 a.m.  Interment will be held privately.  A celebration of life will be announced after the service. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols will be observed and masks must be worn by those in attendance of any aspect of the service.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com