Gerald G. Newberry, 85, of Milan, peacefully passed away at his home on January 26th with his family by his side.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 3rd, at 10:30am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milan.  Visitation will be at Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan, on Thursday, February 2nd, from 4:00-7:00pm, with a rosary recited at 3:30.

Gerald "Jerry" was born March 15, 1937 in Virginia, IL., a son of Dale and Helen Trenter Newberry. He married Donna Moseley on August 19, 1967, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milan, IL.

Jerry graduated from Rock Island High School in 1956.  Jerry served in the US Army Reserves from 1958 to 1962.  Jerry worked for Lucky Foods/Eagle Foods/Eagle Country Market for almost 45 years, retiring as a meatcutter in 1997.  Upon retirement, Jerry worked part time for Milan Family Funeral Home, Dennison Funeral Home and Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home. Jerry was an Auxiliary Firefighter for the Blackhawk Fire Department for almost 20 years.  Jerry also served on the Bowling Township Road Commission.

He was a member of the Milan Gun Club and Pheasants Forever. Jerry liked to Cowboy Shoot.  He invented a device called the "Tug & Pry" that was used in black powder rifle shooting.  He received a patent and was featured in a national magazine.  Jerry was a member of St. Ambrose Parish, Milan, where he was an usher. Jerry was a craftsman and enjoyed woodworking.  He took great pride in building toy boxes for his grandchildren.

Jerry enjoyed bowling and participated in leagues. One of Jerry's biggest hobbies was racing.  In his younger years he raced competitively. He looked forward to his annual guys trip to the Chili Bowl in Oklahoma and an occasional Daytona 500 Time Trial. Jerry worked on cars and loved everything about cars. There was not a Newberry household vehicle he didn't fix!

Jerry loved being a Grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren, they brought him great joy. Jerry was a kind and compassionate soul.  A genuine person that greeted you with a warm smile.  He touched many lives, and nearly all who knew him have a 'Jerry Newberry' story.  Jerry will truly be missed.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 55 years, Donna Newberry; children Ann (Jeff) Boyd, Rock Island, Matt (Megan) Newberry, Stanley, VA, Gina Newberry, Milan; grandchildren Nicholas, Conner and Chloe Boyd, Jordan and Bella Newberry, Emma and Brandon Burch; great grandchild Avyanna Newberry; sisters-in-law Linda Moseley, East Moline, and Cindy Newberry, Milan.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley Mlekush, sister Jill Albert, brother Ron Newberry and step-brother, Herb (June) Newberry.

Memorials may be made to the Family of Jerry Newberry.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Beacon of Hope Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.