June 7, 1946 – May 21, 2023
Jerome “Jerry” Roy Gea, 76, of Naples, Florida, passed away on May 21, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born the youngest of three brothers to Lorraine and Peter Gea in Joliet, Illinois on June 7, 1946. Known by his childhood friends as “Jet.” He was an extraordinary wrestler and graduate of Joliet Township High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois. During his time at college, he made life-long friendships in his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. Afterwards, he obtained his Master of Science Degree from Purdue.
He began his career as a sales trainee at Bethlehem Steel Corp, where he met his beautiful wife, Sheila. They proceeded to welcome their 2 children, Shelby and David. Jerry worked hard to make sure they felt loved and secure every day.
After a successful 39 years in the steel business, Jerry retired as Vice President of Olympic Steel. In 2011, Jerry and Sheila moved to Naples, Florida full time.
After retirement, Jerry took advantage of his free time to play golf at Twin Eagles Golf Club. He especially enjoyed playing in Member Guest Tournaments with his son, David. Jerry’s infectious personality always guaranteed memories of fun and laughter. He and his wife, Sheila, were always the first ones on the dance floor. He would light up leading the annual rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” or belting out his favorite Dean Martin tunes. Jerry loved to spend time with his friends and family. The annual Family New Year’s Eve dinner at The Turtle Club was most special to him.
He is preceded in death by his mom, dad, and his brothers, Joseph and James (his twin). Jerry is survived by the love of his life, and best friend, of 49 years, Sheila (Pavlish) Gea; daughter Shelby (Gea) King (John); son David (Jennifer); 4 grandchildren Brandon, Ethan, Jack, and Sammie. Jerry was one of a kind and the void he has left will never be replaced but his legacy will continue through his family and friends.
In his memory, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org/donate/
Please join his family for a Memorial Service on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 11am at Naples Funeral Home (3107 David Boulevard, Naples, FL). His friends and family are invited to share memories and celebrate Jerry’s life the way he would want to be remembered – as a fun, successful, and caring man who enjoyed life.
Naples Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gea family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.naplesfuneralhome.com
Dan and Lucille Reilly
August 29, 2023, 3:19 am
Sheila, we are so sorry to hear about Jerrys passing. He will always be remembered as one of our good friends. Love you, Dan and Lucille
Beth Stens
August 29, 2023, 3:19 am
Dear Miss Shiela, Shelby, David and family:
I’m terribly sorry for your loss. I have so many funny and warm memories of Mr. Jerry…and of all of you too! I’m sorry I won’t be at his memorial service but I will be there in spirit. I’m sure Mr. Jerry is hanging out with my Dad and Gene Miller in heaven. We’ll see them all again some day.
Much love,
Beth Stens
Joe Manzella
August 29, 2023, 3:20 am
Jerry,
Sure going to miss your smiling face on the golf course. You were one of the first members I met from TE when I moved here in 2010. Remember the betting on golf and the super bowls. Brings back lots of good memories and great times together.
You are certainly going to be missed by all your friends and golf buddies at TwinEagles.
May you rest in peace and God be with you my friend.
Joe Manzella
the Gleeson family
August 29, 2023, 3:20 am
A great guy. He will be deeply missed.
The Jaji Family
August 29, 2023, 3:21 am
May your happiest memories bring you peace and comfort during these trying times. We are thinking of and praying for you all.
Olympic Steel, Atlanta Southern Divisions
August 29, 2023, 3:27 am
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mary Pat Curry
August 29, 2023, 3:28 am
Sheila and Family-Aunt Diane & I were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Beloved Jerry!! So many wonderful memories!! Especially the Family Xmas parties. Hugs to you and Family. The Retired Commish (Mary Pat) and Aunt Diane. We have donated to Tunnels of Towers in Jerry’s Name
Murray, Monica and Caitlyn Palm
August 29, 2023, 3:28 am
Sincere condolences. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Ed Chylinski
August 29, 2023, 3:28 am
Sorry to hear about Jerry. My condolences.
Nicolini Lorenzo
August 29, 2023, 3:29 am
Sheila, we are saddened to hear the news of Jerry’s passing.
Our heartfelt condolences.
Lorenzo & Emily Nicolini
ArcelorMittal-Franklin, TN
August 29, 2023, 3:29 am
You and your family are in my thoughts as you grieve for Jerry. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Olympic Steel, Minnesota & Iowa
August 29, 2023, 3:29 am
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Carolyn Carpenter
August 29, 2023, 3:30 am
Jack and I have so many wonderful memories we shared with Sheila and Jerry. We’ll see you again one day soon, Jerry. All our love to Sheila, Shelby, David and the grandkids that Jerry was so proud of.
Anne and Gordon Mackenzie
August 29, 2023, 3:33 am
Keep all the great memories close you.
Bruce Achenbach
August 29, 2023, 3:33 am
To my Delt brother for a life well done.
Andy and Kelly Markowitz
August 29, 2023, 3:34 am
Sending our prayers and Condolences
Olympic Steel Milford
August 29, 2023, 3:34 am
Wishing you our Heartfelt Condolences on Jerry’s passing.
John & Mary Ann Mooney
August 29, 2023, 3:34 am
Forever in our Hearts!
Jane Garon
August 29, 2023, 3:35 am
Sheila, I will always remember Jerry smiling all the time! Such a happy guy who made others smile. My prayers are with you and all of your family. Fondly, Jane Garon
Gary & Marsha Bertrand
August 29, 2023, 3:35 am
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Such a kind, wonderful man. He will be missed by many. Gary & Marsha Bertrand
Anna & Andrew Wolfort
August 29, 2023, 3:36 am
With loving memories of “Jerry”,
Carol Stens
August 29, 2023, 3:36 am
Sending heartfelt sympathy to all of Jerry’s family. Such an amazing man and a loyal friend. His death leaves a huge void in all of the lives he touched. God bless all of you. Love, Carol Stens