Tribute & Message From The Family
Gerald "Jerry" May, 60, of Philadelphia passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2022. He was born January 25, 1962 in Philadelphia to Joseph and Theresa May (nee – Dwyer). Jerry is the beloved husband of 33 years of Gina May (nee – Jhinis); father of Jerry May and his wife Donna, Heather Keller and her husband Mark Keller, Jr, and Kaitlyn May; grandfather of Dylan, Cadence, Miley and Mason ; great-grandfather of Roman; brother of Joey May and his wife Bernadette, Gary May and his wife Dayna, and Debbie Gallagher and her husband Ernie; son-in-law of Ethel Jhinis; he is also survived by a loving extended family including many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was raised and educated in Philadelphia, a proud graduate of Frankford High School Class of 1980, where he wore #68 on his football jersey. He was a longtime employee of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, steadily moving through the ranks over his 36-year tenure with the organization, retiring in 2019 as an acting Deputy Commissioner.
Family and friends are invited to Jerry's Life Celebration on Thursday, May 19 from 10:00 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anselm's Church, located at 12650 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family hopes charitable donations in Jerry's name can be made to either The Eagles Autism Foundation or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Gina,so Sorry to hear of your husbands passing. My thoughts and Prayers are with you!
Posted by
Wilma Walmsley - Cape May, NJ - Neighbor May 21, 2022
I'm saddened to hear the loss of jerry he was a great neighbor. Sending love to Gina and family
Posted by
Kellie Keller - Philadelphia, PA - Neighbor May 18, 2022
My condolences to the May family,
I will always remember our daily walks around the outside perimeter of CFCF, laughing about the Three Stooges, and our found memories of the North Catholic - Frankford rivalry, I will miss my friend.
Posted by
Freddy Abello - Sykesville, MD - Friend May 18, 2022
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.
Posted by
Karen Bryant - Philadelphia, PA - Coworker May 17, 2022
My big brother Jerry. I always looked up to him. If I needed advice he would give it to me. If I needed a hand he would help with anything. My brother worked hard all his life. Then he became ill. Jerry retired and lived in Wildwood. He always talked about the shore. He drove from the shore to the doctor's for check ups. Not too long ago, Jerry started not feeling well. My brother never gave up. I worked one Saturday, and on the way home I stopped and got him pretzels for a snack. I told him I will be back later tonight and I will bring you Charlie's pizza. He said I love Charlie's. Later that day I stopped by and delivered the pizza. Little did I know this would be the last time I'd see him. I am so thankful I got him what he wanted. I could tell more about my brother, but I am too heartbroken to go on. Jerry you will be well missed by everyone. Love your brother Gary.
Posted by
Gary May - Maple Shade, NJ - Family May 17, 2022
My deepest condolences. Rest in peace, Sir!
Posted by
Captain James Smith - Philadelphia - Coworker May 17, 2022
I am so very sorry for the void this loss leaves. I know he is at peace with the God he loves. I pray that brings peace to his wife and his family. God Bless you all always. Jane Rehr
Posted by
Jane Rehr - Phila, PA - Friend May 17, 2022
Keeping the May family in our hearts and prayers. 2 Corinthians 5:8 To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.We know that you are in Glory.
Posted by
Gail Mullen - NEW CASTLE, DE - Family May 17, 2022
Heartfelt sympathy for the May/Jhinis Family.
Posted by
Agnes Rimer - Philadelphia, PA - Coworker May 17, 2022
My sincere condolences to all his family and relatives. I knew him from I was a cadet at the Philadelphia Department of Prisons when I started on April 25, 2005. He was a lieutenant back then and he was on the CERT team and our pepper spray trainer. He always walked with his head up and carried himself with professionalism and dignity. I respected him a lot because he was a very stern, fearful, respectable and authoritative man. I once met his parents one time at a store or supermarket when I was off duty and I was still wearing my uniform and they walked up to me and gave me a big compliment about they way I carried myself and how I looked really good in my uniform. I'll never forget that day too, they said I really stood out in my uniform that's why they came up to me and asked me if I knew their son Gerald May who was a supervisor that worked at my job. I have never had a bad experience with him since I met him on the job. He was a good man and a good supervisor and when he smiled at you I can tell that his smile was genuine just like his parent's smiles. Thank you for sharing your son with us . He was a special gift to this institution/facility. I'll never forget him and the good memories he left us with as a good man and a good supervisor to us. God bless his soul and God bless his family. I'll pray that the lord will lift you all up and carry you throughout this journey that your feet will never touch the ground again until you are ready to do so. One love to all of you. Amen
Posted by
Dwight Austin - Philadelphia, PA - Coworker May 17, 2022
I will miss you Jerry . I now know you are at peace . Hope you find Maggie and Rambo and take some long walks . Be happy and know you where loved Son-in-law.
Posted by
Ethel Jhinis - Philadelphia, PA - Family May 17, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family. He was such a wonderful person to work with at the prisons. He took me under his wing and allowed me to flourish. I truly forever am grateful. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was truly a blessing to so many at work.
Posted by
Candace Henderson-Dunlap - Myrtle Beach, SC - Coworker May 16, 2022
Gina, our sincere condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Posted by
Cindy & Jim Barrett - Langhorne, PA - Family May 16, 2022
My prayers goes out to the family may you find Comfort during this time.
Posted by
Mallissa Hughes - Philadelphia, PA - Coworker May 16, 2022
Dear Gina and Kaitlyn, prayers and sincere sympathy to you and Gerry's family. Hope you can find comfort in happy memories. Love, Betty Ann
Posted by
Betty Schanne - Langhorne, PA - Family May 16, 2022
My sincerest condolences to an old friend and his family. I will always remember the good times and laughs and adventure we shared. You will be missed. God bless you Jerry.
Posted by
Stephen Ellison - Morton, PA - Friend May 16, 2022
May DC Jerry May RIP. He was a great supervisor and a friend.
Posted by
Gerald Dombecki - Sarasota, FL - Brother May 16, 2022
Our family is devastated to hear that our courtyard guardian angel will not be watching over us this summer. It will not be the same. Gina, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Zielinski Family - North Wildwood, NJ - Neighbor May 16, 2022
Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all. May the memories you have help you thru this difficult time.
Posted by
Jacqueline & Michael Beltran - Hamilton, NJ - Family May 16, 2022
So sorry for your loss! Jerry and I were partners on C.E.R.T. GREAT guy! Prayers being sent! GOD BLESS! R.I.P. friend you will be missed! Love you brother!
Posted by
Michael Casdia - Brookhaven, PA - Friend May 16, 2022
Warden May always shared knowledge with me and I respected the fact that he had his own mind. My condolences and prayers go out to his familyRIP Maj!
Posted by
Dawn Banks - Phila, PA - Coworker May 16, 2022
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jerry's wife, Gina and your families. Jerry was our neighbor growing up on VanKirk st. We shared the same backyard alley and had a blast playing wire ball, kickball, baseball, football, and spring ! Great childhood memories. Over the years, we lost touch as everyone moves on but my brothers, Jerry and
Kevin, became reacquainted with Jerry in North Wildwood the past few years! They became neighbors again.. just a few houses apart! We love you Jerry and we pray for your family for strength at this difficult time. Rest In Peace!
Posted by
Rene (Kniele) Farrell - Neighbor May 16, 2022