Gerald “Jerry” Minton, 90, of South Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home in Loomis Village on April 14, 2026.

Born in April 1935 in South Lyon, Michigan, Jerry was the eldest child of Ernest Minton and Catherine Alma Minton (née Rankin). His early life was marked by both hardship and resilience; after losing both of his parents in a plane crash at the age of 14, he went on to build a life defined by determination, a lovely dry wit and enduring devotion to family.

Jerry graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1956 where he frequently sailed aboard the historic training vessel Eagle, once helping to furl the mainsail during a hurricane. Following his service, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in 1958 and his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1965.

Jerry started his career working on radar installations in both the United Kingdom and Alaska. He then spent the majority of his professional time with Exxon, working in New Jersey, New York and Houston. His work took him around the world, including managing the installation of early large-scale computer and data systems across the company’s European headquarters. For four years during this time, he and his family lived in Belgium, an experience that deepened his lifelong love of travel. Jerry accepted an early retirement package and embraced a long and active life after employment.

Though naturally reserved and often a man of few words, Jerry was deeply devoted to those he loved. He was a steady presence, building a comfortable life from modest beginnings and ensuring that all three of his children were able to attend college.

Throughout his life, Jerry was an avid traveler, exploring destinations across the globe—from China and Russia to Bhutan and India, from Costa Rica to Tokyo, and all throughout Europe. He meticulously documented his journeys with photographs and journals, and even in his later years could recount his travels in remarkable detail.

In retirement, Jerry remained intellectually engaged. After moving to the Loomis Communities in 2009, he became active on their financial committee. He also ran investment groups, served on the board of the Northampton Montessori School, and developed a love for strategy board games, regularly joining his son Joe’s weekly game nights. He enjoyed advising his children in their professional careers and always supported them taking on their array of interesting endeavors, which were well outside of his more mainstream corporate career.

Jerry found great joy in his grandchildren, including college planning assistance with Jessica and Vanessa, chess matches with Nico (never giving an inch), sharing his love of watches & cars with Orion, being amazed by Jonah’s running acumen and being impressed with Luca’s dive into real estate.

Jerry was predeceased by his first wife, Genevieve (“Genny”) Minton (née Miller) and his second wife, Cynthia (“CC”) Minton (née Walker). He experienced world travel with these two loves-of-his-life and felt incredibly lucky to find CC after his high school sweetheart Genny died at 64 from health complications. When each had their health struggles, Jerry stood steadfast by their sides.

He is survived by his daughter, Pandra Williams, her husband Michael, and their daughters Jessica and Vanessa; his son Leon Marucchi, his wife Christine, and their sons Nico, Jonah, and Luca; and his son Joe Minton, his wife Kelly, and their son Orion. He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Miller (“Sis”) and predeceased by his youngest sister, Karen Geffert (née Minton). Jerry is further survived by the additional family he was so happy to gain later in life in Cynthia’s daughters, Jennifer Anne Stark and Andrea Marie Stark, along with their husbands, Michael R. Schnoering and Christopher J. Tickner.

Jerry is loved and greatly appreciated by a very extended family of his nieces and nephews, many of whom have reached out to tell stories of Jerry’s generosity and kindness. Jerry will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of learning & travel and for the support he provided to others. He was an avid reader who found contentment in the simple pleasure of sitting in his easy chair, always with a book close at hand. He will be remembered as well for the steady, thoughtful, practical way he moved through the world and the lasting impact he had on those fortunate to know him.

Consider raising a toast to Jerry when you travel on your next new adventure.