Jerry Byrd

Jerry Lee Byrd, Bangor

Jerry L. Byrd, 69, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 with his wife of 43 years, Vera, by his side. He had endured multiple hospitalizations related to recurrent cancer and other complications. He was born March 20, 1955, at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland, the son of George and Betty (Staples) Byrd.

Jerry graduated from Medomak Valley High School, Class of 1973 and EMVTI (now EMCC), Class of 1975 with a degree in building construction technology. He worked for over 40 years for Roof Systems of Maine. He especially enjoyed working on libraries and other buildings with rich architectural features around the State of Maine. He felt privileged to be a part of the Bangor Library dome renovation in 2014. He took great pride in the jobs he worked on. His favorite pastime were the Sunday mornings he spent at Toddy Pond working with Frederick ‘Rick’ Gilbert and Ingrid Perkins on anything and everything they could come up with for building and fixing projects. Rick’s nickname for Jerry was ‘Houdini’. He always came home in a good mood after spending the morning with them and Rex.

Anybody who knew Jerry (and quite possibly some he didn’t) were always shown multiple pictures and videos of his granddaughter, Allie. He definitely enjoyed being a Grampy to her. He was especially well-read on topics of history and current events. He enjoyed collecting coins and would spend hours going through them to see what rare or unusual coins he could find. He also loved trains. He had an extensive collection of HO scale trains. He loved tending his flower beds.

In addition to his wife, Vera (Collins) Byrd, he is survived by his son, Michael Byrd and fiancé, Kate Pond; and daughter, Kathryn Brownlee and husband Michael and granddaughter, Alexandria (Allie) Rose Brownlee. His siblings, Betty Walsh, Robert Byrd, ‘the twins’ Rosanne Grierson and Susanne Curtis, Annette Merrifield and William Ward; many nieces and nephews; and his aunt, Janet Gilley. In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by a brother, David.

Thank you to all our friends, relatives and coworkers who have been a constant source of support during his illnesses and hospitalizations. Of special note, friends Rick and Ingrid, who always did whatever they could to help; Jerry’s niece, Katie Hansen, and his sisters, who visited and checked on him frequently; and all of Jerry’s friends and coworkers at Roof Systems who stuck by him all these years. Thank you to the Northern Light Hospice team. They were all wonderful to work with and provided excellent care to Jerry in his final days.

The family invites friends and relatives to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor from 3pm-5 pm on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Those who wish to remember Jerry in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401, where he has been a season subscriber for many years. Condolences to the family may be made at BrookingsSmith.com.