Gerald A. “Jerry” Kehoe, 80, of Garrettsville, passed away with his loving wife and family by his side on Sunday, October 16, 2022. He was born in Cleveland on February 13, 1942, to the late William and Margaret (nee Wagner) Kehoe, Jr.
In his early years after graduating from high school, Jerry was a union plumber. After moving to Parkman, he was the Geauga County plumbing inspector. He was pivotal in creating the Parkman Chamber of Commerce as well as being deeply involved in the community. During this time, Jerry and his wife Lynette fostered over 40 children in their home. Eventually, he followed his passion of buying and selling cars, and started Jerry Kehoe Used Cars in Garrettsville, Ohio, which was a place of conversation and business for over 42 years. In not only his business life, but in his personal life too, he never passed up an opportunity to help someone in need.
Besides being known for storytelling, his witty “Jerryisms,” and always being ready to share his opinion, Jerry was an avid woodworker and musician. He was especially known for playing his keyboard and accordion, and was part of many church music groups. He was also an enthusiastic long distance bike rider and loved nature. Throughout his adolescent and adult life, he loved playing baseball, among many other passion and hobbies.
Jerry was very active in many areas of the community and the church. This included being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the zoning committee. He also loved emceeing at local car shows around Garrettsville. Above all, he was most proud of his family.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife, Lynette; children, Coleen (Steve) White, Kevin (Martina) Kehoe, and Jeannine (Matthew) Jordan, grandchildren; Adam Kehoe, Nicholas Kehoe, Evan Kehoe, Hunter Jordan, Kevin Kehoe, Kierra Jordan, Natalie Kehoe, Layla Jordan, and Jack Kehoe; siblings, Timothy Kehoe, Robert Kehoe, and Anne Kehoe, and many nephews, nieces, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Kehoe, sister, Mary Ellen Ondo, brother, Dennis Kehoe, and son, Dennis Kehoe.
Please join the family to honor Jerry’s life for a visitation on Friday, October 21, 2022, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. The funeral service will be Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 11am, with visitation 1 hour prior, also at the funeral home. Jerry will then be laid to rest at Park Cemetery, 8588 Center St., Garrettsville, where he will be by his beloved son, Dennis.
The family suggests donations in Jerrys’ name would be graciously accepted by the Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard P.O. Box 294 Garrettsville, Ohio 44231.
