Gerald Joseph Pollender, 67

Gerald Joseph Pollender (Jerry/Jay) of Vero Beach, FL, formerly Holyoke, MA, passed away after a heart attack on April 11, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Linda, sister Jean Dignazio, sons Jeremy (Sharman) and Jason (Kate), his step-sons Michael (Mariza) Carney and Eric Carney and his grandchildren, Jeremy, Wyatt, Darcy, Calla, Marion Pollender, Shane, Austin, Brandon, Shawn, Shane and Adien Carney. His brother Roy, parents Omer and Doris predeceased him.

Jerry was born on June 19, 1955 in Holyoke, graduated from Holyoke High School in 1973, and married Debbie Harris (mother of Jeremy and Jason) the same year. He moved to Florida with his wife Linda in 1997. Jerry worked for many years as a long-distance truck driver, retiring at age 63 but continuing to work part time. As a young man, he played bass guitar and was part of several local bands, including one with his brother Roy called "Morning Thunder." He loved fishing at Otis Reservoir in Massachusetts and Sebastian Inlet in Florida.  

Animated, outgoing, and down-to-earth, Jerry loved sharing funny stories while fishing or relaxing around a campfire. He would encourage those he loved to take the vacation, take the day off, and not take life too seriously. Jerry will be dearly missed by family and friends.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers we ask that you take your family out for a great meal and hold them close.