Obituary of Gerard M McCool

McCool, Gerard (Jerry), - 84, of Erma passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2018. Jerry was born and raised in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. As a 1951 graduate of Northeast Catholic High School, he served two years in the United States Army. For many years, he was employed at the Philco Corporation in Philadelphia. He was a father of 6 from earlier marriages. In 1974 he came to the shore for the summer, tended bar at Dot Spot in West Wildwood, got sand in his shoes and never went back. He tended bar for many years in the Wildwood area where he met Karen, his best friend, soulmate, and wife of 33 years. In 1985 he started as a Realtor Sales Associate at Wildwood Realty and then joined the team at Beecher Kay in the early 90's. He earned an Insurance License and later was employed by the Lower Township Elementary School District as Night Supervisor of Custodians for 13 years. Jerry was an avid reader who enjoyed fishing, home repairs, and spending time with his dogs, family, and friends. He was a member of the Parish of St John Neumann; Northeast Catholic Alumni Assoc.; Knight of Columbus, Stella Maris Council 3546; Knight of Columbus, Fourth Degree, Monsignor Moroney Asm 671; Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge #1896; Moose Lodge 1054; and Villas Fishing Club. For many years Jerry volunteered as a Bingo worker for St. John of God as well as serving on Parish Council. He was a former Financial Secretary for the Knight of Columbus, Stella Maris Council 3546. Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary Ellen, and his sisters Rose Mary Ward and Patsy Klinger. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, brother Tom, sons Jerry (Liz) and Bob, sister-in-law Peg Cragin, grandchildren: Shane O'Hara (Pam), Jason, Codi, Shannon, and Kelly his favorite niece (all eight of them), nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and Great-grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held 11am Monday, January 29th, 2018 at the Church of St. John of God, 680 Townbank Rd, N Cape May, NJ; friends and family may call from 10am-11am prior to service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sisters of St. Joseph, 9701 Germantown Ave., Phila. PA 19118-2694. .