Jerry Conrad, a long-time resident of Tarpon Springs, FL, passed away on January 27th, 2024. His 82 wonderful years were spent modeling a life of peace and kindness to all. Jerry was known for his love of family, care of creatures and his strong faith. Jerry felt very blessed to have his daughters, dogs, and prayers by his side during his peaceful passing.
Jerry was born in Columbus, Ohio to Richard and Zelda Conrad. He lived on a small farm in Ohio with his parents and two brothers, Tom and Dick, until they moved to Florida when he was ten. Jerry had wonderful memories of running around Pinellas Park in the 1950s, including the birth of his beloved little sister Cheri Lynn. As a teenager, Jerry attended the youth group at Pinellas Park Church of Christ and it was on one of these outings where Jerry met the love of his life, Judy. From the moment they met, Jerry knew she was the only one for him. They were together for over 55 years and had four daughters.
Jerry and Judy were proud members of the Palm Harbor Church of Christ. Jerry was a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend to many in the congregation. Jerry spent his summers as the Arts and Crafts instructor at Weeki Watchee Christian Camp, where every year Jerry made the paddle boats for all of the children to race in the river. Jerry was an electrical engineer and worked for Florida Power for over 40 years. During this time, he worked his way up from climbing electrical poles as a lineman, earning his masters in electrical engineering and protecting his community when hurricanes and severe storms threatened. Jerry was very active in the Tarpon Springs community serving on the planning and zoning for the city, coaching little league, serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Halloween Parade and selling a ton of hotdogs for the Seratoma Club.
Jerry and Judy were grandparents to 9 exceptional grandchildren; Jerry also leaves behind 5 incredibly talented great-grandchildren. He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Jerry is survived by his little sister, Cheri Lynne Robbins, his 4 daughters (Laurie Giancola, Leigh-Ann Tepper, Leslie Conrad, and Lynne Boucher) 9 grandkids (Josh Miller, Halley Miller, Derrick Giancola, David Giancola, Saxon Boucher, Zephrem Tepper, Reese Boucher, Andrew Parker and Conrad Parker), 5 Great GrandKids (Ava Grady, Michael Giancola, Judy Miller, Paige Miller, and Penelope Tepper).
He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, his parents and two brothers.
A memorial service will be held at Palm Harbor Church of Christ on March 9, 2024 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pinellas Humane Society.
Palm Harbor Church of Christ
Nancy Conrad
March 6, 2024, 7:01 pm
Jerry was more than a brother-in-law, he was the brother I never had. I was fortunate to share many good times and unfortunately, a few bad times. Life was always spectacular when Jerry was present. He is truly missed.
Bob & Mia Butler
March 6, 2024, 9:52 pm
Jerry was a wonderful friend and mentor to my husband Bob and I. Bob and Jerry worked at Florida Power together since the 1980’s and in later years all three of us contracted back to Duke Energy. I always loved when Jerry would come in the Clearwater office, kneel in my cubicle and we would just chat and catch up. We could spend an hour just chatting. He also introduced our kids to summer camp on the Weeki Wachee River when they were in middle school. When Shane and Sara learned of Jerry’s passing, they were not only saddened but expressed their fond memories of both Jerry and Judy and how they both made their time at camp memorable. Jerry will always be in our thoughts with fond memories. We will miss him dearly, but we know that he is beyond happy that he is with Judy once again.
James Gilliland
March 6, 2024, 10:12 pm
Jerry was a great mentor and friend. Former member’s Palm Harbor Church of Christ. Jim &Linda Gilliland.