Jerry Nicholas May, 70, of Ringwood, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2015 with his loving wife by his side.
Born in Oxford, England during World War II, he grew up in Paramus and resided in Ringwood with his family for 37 years. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era and retired as a detective from the Paramus Police Department.
Beloved husband of Karen May for 47 yrs. Loving and devoted father of Brian May, Sean May, Michael May, Jennifer Lightsey and son in law Scott Lightsey. Cherished grandfather of Nicholas Lightsey. Beloved brother of Deborah Welton and brother in law John Welton. He was an honorable man loved by all who knew him.
Barbara Policastri (Citro) (1962)
So sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. Once again, we lost another great classmate. My condolences to his family.
Burt P. Augustensen (1962)
Very sad. While Jerry was on the Paramus Police force, I would see him often at the Paramus post office always with a smile and a kind word. A very helpful. I was blessed to have known him.
Burt P. Augustensen
Richard Kane (1962)
Jerry was one of a kind. I went to the wake on Monday. It was hard to see him gone. A real part of the class of 62. He will be missed. Richie Kane
Neil Robertson (1962)
Jerry was my first friend in Paramus, soon to be followed by Harold and Bobby Krause. We all lived in the same subdivision. Jerry was always a kind, decent person and a good friend, and one I was finally able to reconnect with at our 50th. He and I regularly "Facebooked" back and forth, Jerry from the conservative side, and I from (surprise, surprise) way over on the left. He was thoughtful and reflective, frank and honest, and always congenial and open. I persuaded him on some things, and he persuaded me on others. It was enjoyable and made me feel as if I were really a part of our class. I bet he was a damned good detective, worthy of my respect in that as much as in our mini-debates. And this is coming from a guy who still carries the scars form some 60's era encounters with police. But for every one of the latter, there are the Jerry Mays. I'm positive beyond a doubt that he was fair to everyone he encountered in the line of duty as he was to me in our correspondance. I'll miss him, and will miss looking forward to his comments on my postings and the conversations that ensued. Rest in Peace Jerry.
(Jerry's death came just before one of my lifelong favorite people, Christina Lee, my first girlfriend. This, coming after Jerry's passing, really hit me hard. I'll post a remembrance of Chris elsewhere.)
Neil Robertson