Gerald N Stafford's Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) Nelson Stafford, 84, passed away the evening of Friday, 18 February, 2022 in Westlake, Ohio, after succumbing to his battle with dementia and compounding health issues.
Jerry was born on 6 November, 1937, in Flint, Michigan. He spent his young life in Traverse City, Michigan, until joining the U.S. Army in 1955. While in the Army, Jerry was trained to be a firefighter, and developed a passion for the job. After 3 years of military service, Jerry separated from the Army, but continued to serve his community as a firefighter until his retirement in August of 2000. He spent the majority of his adult life in Yuma, Arizona, with his wife, Patty, until her passing in 2019.
Referred to affectionately as “Dad,” “Poppa Jerry,” “Pops,” or “Poppa,” Jerry will be remembered by those who loved and knew him best as a loyal friend, loving husband, and doting father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Jerry is survived by his many friends, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother, Pearl (Tappin) Stafford, his father and mother-in-law, Forrest F. Stafford and Bette Jean Stafford, and his beloved wife of 30 years, Patricia Ann (Wilson) Stafford.
In lieu of a funeral service, the family has chosen to hold a private celebration of life.
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