Gerard Paul Lilly

Gerard Paul Lilly, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Anthem, Arizona. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jerry lived a life marked by kindness, curiosity, generosity, and an enduring sense of humor.

Born in New York City to Gerard and Gertrude Lilly, Jerry’s early years were shaped by far flung adventures, living around the globe in India, Mexico, and Venezuela thanks to his father’s work with General Motors.

His academic journey began at 14 at a Jesuit boarding school in Massachusetts and led to degrees from Cornell, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and ultimately a Ph.D. in Engineering from UCLA.

During his time in Los Angeles, Jerry met the love of his life, Maureen. Married for 57 years, they shared a deep partnership rooted in laughter, love, and mutual respect.

Jerry’s career took them to Pittsburgh, PA. There they raised their children Brian and Monica. Jerry enjoyed a 28-year career as an engineer at Westinghouse in the Nuclear Safety Division.

Jerry and Maureen found their spiritual home at East Suburban Unitarian Universalist Church where they were active members and leaders at the congregation. They created lifelong friendships there.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 22, Jerry met life’s challenges with resilience, ingenuity, and humor—never letting limitations define him. Into his 80s he was still going to the gym where he would park his walker and get to work on the machines.

His brilliant mind and love of learning were matched only by his sharp wit and legendary “dad jokes,” which often left him laughing to tears and earned him the nickname of sarcasm sniper.

Jerry’s most important priority was family and his treasured titles were husband to Maureen, Dad to Brian, Monica and her husband Tre, Uncle Jerry to Tammy and Paul, Papa to his grandkids Acadia, Brianna, Emme, Stella, Madden and Lily and brother to Barbara and Peter and Uncle to Peter and his wife Monica.

His family and friends know that the world would be a better place if more people lived their life like Jerry did.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.