Gerald “Jerry” E. Nye, 88, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2023. He was born March 19th, 1935, in Perham, Maine, the son of Orlo Sr. and Margaret (Kennedy) Nye. Following his graduation from Corinna Academy he went to honorably serve his country in the Air Force, a veteran of the Korean War. He had a long and successful career in the shoe industry, with many years at Dexter Shoe.
Jerry was a great man, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a selfless man, dedicating his life to his family. His children, grandchildren, and grand dogs were the loves of his life. He could be found cheering from the bleachers at sporting events, teaching grandchildren how to ride a bike, drive a car, parallel parking was his specialty!
He loved to watch football, country western tv shows and The Three Stooges from the comfort of his worn-in, favorite recliner. He spent numerous hours on his riding lawn mower. He liked to try his luck on scratch tickets and spent hours at Hollywood Slots on his favorite slot machine – Zeus! He was always gracious with his winnings, sharing his profits with his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of Eagles Club where he enjoyed a game of pool, bringing his own pool stick, and was quite the dancer! He spent every morning working out at Gold’s Gym and taking a dip in the pool. He could do sit ups and arm flexes until his final days.
He was known for his many “grampy-isms” some of which include, “I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong,” “you’re tougher than woodpecker lips,” and if you told him you were going to “run” to the store he would suggest “you take the car.” He greeted you with “Big Hoss” or “My Man,” always spoken with a smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
He will be missed at our family gatherings, especially Christmas mornings and the first call the morning of our birthdays. To end with our favorite saying and the one we will carry on, “Cyaaaa, because Goodbyes are forever.” We love you, we miss you so, so much, and we will cyaaaaaaaa…
Gerald is survived by his children; daughter, Julie Thomas; sons, John Nye, and his wife, Amy, Joel Nye, and his wife, Lisa; his grandchildren, Ashley Doyon, and her husband, Brett, Andrew Picard, and his wife, Michelle, Griffin Nye, Logan Larabee, and Lexie Larabee; great-grandsons, Landon Doyon and Reegan Picard, and one surviving sister; Edith Zajac. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Orlo (Junior) Nye, Philip Nye, Donald Nye, Gladys Ouellette, Alberta Nelson, Phyllis Wright, baby brother Clarence, and his great-grandson, Camden Doyon.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home for the great care they provided Gerald while he was a resident. Those who wish to remember Jerry in a special way may make donations in his memory to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078, (www.christopherreeve.org). Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald Nye, please visit our flower store.
Jerry was a great man, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a selfless man, dedicating his life to his family. His children, grandchildren, and grand dogs were the loves of his life. He could be found cheering from the bleachers at sporting events, teaching grandchildren how to ride a bike, drive a car, parallel parking was his specialty!
He loved to watch football, country western tv shows and The Three Stooges from the comfort of his worn-in, favorite recliner. He spent numerous hours on his riding lawn mower. He liked to try his luck on scratch tickets and spent hours at Hollywood Slots on his favorite slot machine – Zeus! He was always gracious with his winnings, sharing his profits with his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of Eagles Club where he enjoyed a game of pool, bringing his own pool stick, and was quite the dancer! He spent every morning working out at Gold’s Gym and taking a dip in the pool. He could do sit ups and arm flexes until his final days.
He was known for his many “grampy-isms” some of which include, “I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong,” “you’re tougher than woodpecker lips,” and if you told him you were going to “run” to the store he would suggest “you take the car.” He greeted you with “Big Hoss” or “My Man,” always spoken with a smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
He will be missed at our family gatherings, especially Christmas mornings and the first call the morning of our birthdays. To end with our favorite saying and the one we will carry on, “Cyaaaa, because Goodbyes are forever.” We love you, we miss you so, so much, and we will cyaaaaaaaa…
Gerald is survived by his children; daughter, Julie Thomas; sons, John Nye, and his wife, Amy, Joel Nye, and his wife, Lisa; his grandchildren, Ashley Doyon, and her husband, Brett, Andrew Picard, and his wife, Michelle, Griffin Nye, Logan Larabee, and Lexie Larabee; great-grandsons, Landon Doyon and Reegan Picard, and one surviving sister; Edith Zajac. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Orlo (Junior) Nye, Philip Nye, Donald Nye, Gladys Ouellette, Alberta Nelson, Phyllis Wright, baby brother Clarence, and his great-grandson, Camden Doyon.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home for the great care they provided Gerald while he was a resident. Those who wish to remember Jerry in a special way may make donations in his memory to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078, (www.christopherreeve.org). Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
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