Gerald (Jerry) Patrick Giles, age 74, of Cinnaminson, NJ died on January 17, 2023.

Jerry was born in 1948 in Scranton, PA, the fourth of six children to Jeanette (née Walsh) and Ed Giles. As a baby, Jerry's sister Nancy lovingly cared for him and taught him the art of conversation. The Gileses were a tight knit Irish Catholic family with many friendships throughout the community.

Early on, Jerry revealed his humorous nature. Growing up in a small town, young Jerry and his brothers and friends had many fun and mischievous adventures. The kids once got themselves into a bit of trouble with a runaway coal car, however nobody was injured and the kids got some useful life lessons.

Jerry served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, in the US Army's 25th Infantry Division. Like most young soldiers, the war greatly impacted Jerry. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Scranton to work as a butcher in the first of many union jobs.

A few years later, Jerry's brother Jack helped him move to New Jersey to drive for the Trailways Bus Company. Jerry drove passengers to destinations up and down the East Coast and Canada. As a skilled and friendly driver, Jerry won the hearts of the many seniors he transported to Atlantic City and the families traveling on charter trips. Jerry was also a driver for the Philadelphia Inquirer during his last 20 years of working life.

In 1978, Jerry met his wife Jeanne and her son Josh. Over their 44 years together, Jerry and Jeanne built a loving relationship based on, patience, humor, encouragement, trust and freedom. The couple traveled to places like Alaska, Nashville and Venice, Italy. The island of St. John, US Virgin Islands was a favorite getaway for the family where Jerry would snorkel with sea turtles.

In the '80s, Jerry returned to a childhood interest, the US Civil War. Jerry's quest to understand the war involved reading and participating in reenactments of battles and camp life.

Jerry loved kids and they loved his playfulness. As a dad, he was a role model and a comic inspiration to Josh. Jerry was also very close to his nephew Jimmy and niece Kathleen, who lived with Jerry and Jeanne while working on her law degree.

For over 20 years Jerry lived with Parkinson's disease. In that time, Jerry continued to be active and healthy, with the help of his family, friends and physical therapists. He lived life with a full, caring heart, bringing laughter to others. As often was the case, Jerry lovingly pranked or teased the ones he most cared about.

Jerry is survived by his wife Jeanne, his stepson Josh, Josh's partner Terri, his brothers Jim, Tim, Ed and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Jerry's yearbook summed him up with this poem:

And here's our Jerry so full of

fun,

If you're looking for a laugh, he's the one.

We love you Jerry and will always treasure the impact you had on us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Samaritan of New Jersey

https://samaritannj.org

or

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

https://www.michaeljfox.org