Gerald Patrick McGackin

Gerald Patrick (Jerry) McGackin passed away after a brief illness on July 10.  He was surrounded by his loving family.  Jerry was born on October 19, 1949 in Freehold New Jersey, the beloved son of Jack and Irene McGackin.

Jerry adored his family and was the best friend to so many.  He came from a large family and loved it.  It’s hard to sum Jerry up in words.  He enjoyed golf, especially with his local group, and his very often trips to Freehold to play with his brother Ricky, whom he adored.  He and Ricky visited Ocean City yearly for a golf outing which he loved and wouldn’t miss, partly for the golf and mostly for the time with his brother. He loved the beach, especially Manasquan and later Dewey, traveling, which he did extensively, betting on the horses (was not happy when Freehold closed), his dog Choti whom he brought back from India, spinning and talking with his friends at HAC, Freehold, and most importantly, his grandchildren.  He cherished them and was so interested in each one, always speaking to their interests and grabbing every moment he could with them.  He wanted to give them the best experiences, which he did, and supported them unconditionally in their endeavors.

Jerry was a successful businessman who owned several Lawn Doctor franchises in the area.  He always wanted to have his own business and thought it might be a sub shop, but a chance encounter with his friend Bob led him to a very successful career with Lawn Doctor and a move to Delaware. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Irene; his first wife, Colleen, with whom he had a long and beautiful marriage; his sisters in law, Eileen (Ricky) and Jean (Billy); and his brothers, Jack, Billy and Denny.

Another chance encounter in body pump class at HAC led Jerry to his current wife Joan.  She knew it was all over for her when he couldn’t stop smiling and talking after class.  He was unique and the love of her life.  He is also survived by his daughters, Nicole McCarter (Mike), and Megan Lane (Sam); and his stepsons, Joseph Ayers (Sally), Christian Ayers (Jessica), and Timothy Ayers (Rachael); and his grandchildren, Madelyn, Jackson, Paige, Chase, Cole, Samuel, Madelyn, Hannah, Abigail, Gia, Ryan, Henry, Emmett, and Ingrid.   Jerry is also survived by his sister, Gail Preston (Lester); his brother, Ricky; his sisters in law, Kathy and Jane; and his brother-in-law, Carl Peterson (Elizabeth); along with his many loved nieces and nephews and their families.  He was always interested in each and every one.

Jerry was the best pop-pop, father, husband, and friend.  He was the light of our lives.  He had a strong faith and we know he is at peace now.  Psalm 34 was his favorite.  As Gia wrote, “I am so lucky to have known someone who makes saying goodbye so hard”. She speaks for all of us. We love you Jerry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Holy Angels Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may visit beginning at 9:30am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Castaway Cats or Our Daily Bread, 214 North Broad Street, Middletown, DE 19709.

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