On Wednesday, May 6th, Gerald William Yellen passed away at the age of 90 years old. Gerald’s beloved wife of 65 years, Marie, predeceased him by only four months. Jerry leaves behind daughters Christine O’Neill (Robert) and Laura Catlan (William) along with grandchildren Emma O’Neill, Saige Catlan and Theodore Catlan. Gerald’s parents Anthony and Catherine Yellen, older brothers and best friends Anthony Yellen II and Robert Yellen predeceased him.

Gerald (Jerry) was born January 1936 in Queens, New York. He graduated from Richmond Hill High School and joined the United States Navy in the Naval Aviation division. Jerry proudly served as a flight engineer stationed in Okinawa. During his time in the Navy, Jerry’s relationship with childhood friend Marie Schmid grew through their exchanged letters. When he returned home, they got engaged and were married in 1960. Jerry forever described Marie as the “cute redhead from around the block”.

After the Navy, Jerry joined the family’s company, Iron Works Incorporated, eventually becoming president.  When it came time for retirement, Jerry wasn’t very good at sitting still. He occupied his time with golf and photography, and volunteered weekly at St. Francis Hospital. He also took great satisfaction in a few years of part-time work with Ferrara Brothers Building Materials Corporation. 

Jerry was exceptional at enjoying life. Technically savvy and a fan of fast engines, Jerry’s pride and joy was his silver 1967 Corvette. In the 1970’s, Jerry was a member of the Long Island Corvair Association, racing his modified Corvair at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. The children growing up on Princeton Street were fascinated by the “real life racecar”, and Jerry was happy to answer questions about the engine and occasionally give in to pleas for a ride around the block.

Jerry enjoyed spending time on the water. For over twenty summers, the family rented a home on Shinnecock Bay, giving him an opportunity to sail his boat. Jerry and Marie later purchased a home in Mattituck and enjoyed boating there as well. In later years, the Yellens enjoyed spending winters with close friends at the Greneleaf Resort in Florida.

Jerry was definitely a “people person”. He adored his family & friends and looked for reasons to get together. For over 42 years, Jerry and Marie were members of the Garden City Country Club and enjoyed many nights of dinner and dancing with friends. Jerry enjoyed weekly rounds of golf with close friends. Jerry served on the GCCC Board of Directors for two terms. In addition, he dedicated hours to photographing the course and tournament participants. One of his favorite memories was getting the opportunity to take photos of the course from a helicopter. Jerry’s photographs still adorn the walls of the GCCC.

During Jerry’s last few months, he was patiently supported by an exceptional team of home health aides. Jerry’s family is so very grateful for the help of Zoila, Twana, Yamela, Nashay and Mena.

Jerry’s visitation at Fairchild Funeral Home (Garden City) will be held on Sunday, June 14th, from 1PM-5PM. Jerry will be interred with military honors at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.

Throughout the years, Jerry was (in)famous for humorously justifying impromptu purchases to Marie as “good deals”.  Boats (the Good Deal, Good Deal Too & Good Deal III), cars, technology, golf clubs, etc. However, to his family, Jerry himself was the “greatest deal” ever, with a truly kind, loving heart that was priceless to them.