Gerald J Renteria 's Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) J. Renteria of Maple Shade, NJ, age 80 years old, passed away at home on May 18, 2020 after a battle with cancer. Jerry was the loving husband of Elizabeth A. (Barney) Renteria for 56 years; dear father of Gerald Renteria of Maple Shade, Sharon Renteria Clark and Mark Clark, of Mt. Laurel, and Scott Renteria and Chrissy DeMaio of Maple Shade; and loyal brother of Michael Renteria and Jeanne Thalman of Venice, Fl., Kathleen and William Yocum of Mt. Laurel, and the late Richard Renteria. Jerry is also survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandson, who were his pride and joy in life: Mitchell, Shwetha and Kylo Renteria of Philadelphia; Dylan Renteria of Cherry Hill; Alexander, Madeline, and Andrew Clark of Mt. Laurel; and Chase Renteria of Maple Shade, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry moved to Maple Shade from Philadelphia in 1952. He attended OLPH School, and graduated from Moorestown High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1964, followed by a career at PECO in Philadelphia. Jerry also worked for decades as a weekend bartender at The Pirate’s Inn in Mt. Laurel.
As a lifelong Maple Shade resident, Jerry had been involved in various civic clubs in Maple Shade and had many strong and long-lasting friendships in the community. His quick wit and dry sense of humor endeared him to many. Jerry was an avid reader of books and newspapers, and could discuss or argue on any topic -- from history to politics to horse racing. He loved sports, especially when his children and grandchildren were involved, and could often be seen at the local ballfields watching his grandsons play baseball. He was a passionate Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Phillies, Eagles and other local sports. But the most important thing to Jerry was his family – he loved having his children and grandchildren all together for their annual weekends in Long Beach Island, holidays, birthdays, and random family dinners.
A memorial service for Jerry will be celebrated at a later date when it is safe for friends and family to gather together. Donations in Jerry’s honor can be made to Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, (https://samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/) who were instrumental in ensuring that Jerry’s end-of-life was on his terms, and did so with unparalleled kindness and compassion.
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