Jerome 'Jerry' Schecker, electrcian foreman
Jerome H. “Jerry” Schecker, 80, of Lewes, and formerly of Nanuet, N.Y., left to be with his Lord Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, after a long illness, with his family by his side.
Jerry was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Oct. 24, 1934, the son of Margaret (Stoecker) and Francis Schecker. He attended LaSalle Academy, City College of New York and graduated from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Joint Apprenticeship Training Program. He worked for IBEW Local 363, Harriman, N.. for many years, achieving the level of master electrician foreman.
Jerry was a past member of the Nanuet Volunteer Fire Engine Co., a 37-year member of Athelstane Lodge 839, Free & Accepted Masons, Pearl River, NY.., and a member of Long Neck United Methodist Church, serving proudly for many years as an usher/greeter and communion steward. He belonged to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-02 and served as a Flotilla staff officer, vessel examiner and boating safety instructor. He spent many hours on patrol on Rehoboth and Indian River bays.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years and his loving caregiver for the last five years, Joy (DeHollander); his three daughters: Robin Schecker (Dennis Morrison), Kelley Behr (Walter) and Kimberley Baird (Harold); five grandchildren: Tara, Collin, Christine, Nicholas and Kimberly; and four grea-grandchildren Meghan, EJ, Laney and Kylee. He is also survived by his brother, Francis Schecker; and in addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Lorraine Rose and his infant grandson, Joseph.
After retiring to Delaware, Jerry enjoyed being out on his boat, the “Jerry's Joy” with his wife, Joy, fishing, crabbing, clamming, and just cruising the bays and ocean. They were able to travel extensively until his illness forced him to limit his activities. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Lately he delighted in observing the antics of the birds and squirrels in his backyard and visiting with friends and neighbors. He always had an infectious smile and an optimistic attitude. His greatest love, however, was being surrounded by his family and being entertained by his grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Jerry's caregivers Naomi, Shelley, Tosha, Debra, Susan and Yvonne; Delaware Hospice and their nurses Kelly, MaryJo and aide Roni for their loving and unending efforts to make his last months of life more comfortable.
Relatives and friends may visit at Wanamaker Carlough Funeral Home, Route 59, Suffern, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Saturday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m., with interment following at Brick Church Cemetery, Brick Church Road, Monsey, N.Y.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at Long Neck United Methodist Church at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jerry's name came be made to Long Neck United Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Long Neck, DE 19966, or to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
