G.V. (Jerry) McKown, 89, of Tarpon Springs, FL, passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2022. Jerry and his wife Mary Pat (McCreary) were loving parents of 10 children: Victor, Marie, Michael, David, Louis, Judy, Krisy, Colleen, Barbara, and Gerry. Jerry and Mary Pat are survived by 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Jerry is the son of Gerard Collingwood and Angela Rose (Cappelli) McKown.
Jerry grew up in Ardmore, PA, and graduated from Lower Merion High School. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy concurrently with his father during the Korean War.
Jerry was an unconventionally gifted man full of ambition and inventiveness. As a master carpenter, he built his family’s first home and quickly progressed to owning his own company – G. V. McKown Residential Construction. He was a very successful entrepreneur and started numerous ventures, such as a bicycle shop, carnival rides, laser liner equipment, utility company, self-storage facility, and more. His hobby was building and driving championship race cars, and he was especially proud of his win at Giants’ Despair Hill Climb with his Caldwell Super Vee.
A Celebration of his LAL will be held in PA at a later date.
Rest in peace our creative artisan, devoted friend, and extraordinary father.
You are loved and greatly missed.
#8
June 13, 2022, 1:14 pm
Dad was larger than life with the biggest sense of humor ~ i can’t imagine all the hard work and worry he did for us during that LAL ~ love you Dad ~ thank you ~ forever ~ colleen 🕊💫🤍
Jack Dellevigne
June 13, 2022, 2:54 pm
Gerry was a gifted and inventive man. We always had interesting and mutually beneficial conversations. Sonya and I will miss him.
Krisy McKown'
June 13, 2022, 8:04 pm
This creative, inventive, mechanical genius was my Dad. He made me the person I am today and I love him for that. He will be forever missed.
Katriona Brownlow
June 13, 2022, 8:46 pm
G.V. was a huge part of my childhood as was the entire McKown family. Part of my life and such memories I cherish. You are missed Mr.McKown. you and Simon can have a good laugh up there now. Much love to all the family, Katriona (Butler) Brownlow xoxo
Joan Galli
June 13, 2022, 9:38 pm
Judy
So sorry for your loss
Prayers BBC and condolences to you and your family
What a beautiful tribute to your dad
G
June 13, 2022, 9:51 pm
McKown “kids”-
I am so sorry for your loss.
Much love
Gina (Butler)
Jane Buyers
June 14, 2022, 1:00 am
Much love and condolences to the McKown family. We enjoyed our last visit with Jerry a few years ago in Florida. May your memories give you comfort at this sad time.
Sandy DiSimone
June 16, 2022, 8:27 pm
Gerry was a very large and important part of my life.
He brought us all laughter but was also always there giving support when it was needed.
My thoughts and love goes out to his family
Rocco and Kathy Mastrocola
June 17, 2022, 2:55 pm
In the memory of my friend Gerry.
We met 84 years ago in 1st Grade at Chestnutwald Elementary School in Ardmore Pa and then attended Lower Merion Vocational Technical School for Middle school and High school. We enjoyed a lifetime of friendship and I was inspired by his ingenuity, resourcefulness and affectionate sense of humor. My deepest empathy to family and friends who appreciated his genuine goodness.
Love from your friend Rocco for life and beyond