Obituary of Gerald Powel

Gerald J. Powel, Jr, (Jerry) of Estero, Florida, passed away on June 11, 2022 at the age of 78.

LEGACY

Jerry was born in Norristown, PA and was the son of Ann Powel Stout and Gerald Powel, Sr. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jimmy.

Jerry worked in the Chemical supply industry for over 40 years, with most of his career at the George S. Coyne Chemical company of Croydon, PA where he served as Vice President of Sales. He was a great problem solver and a believer in providing the best customer service. He cared about all of the employees and respected how their jobs helped to create the best company. Jerry was a very humble man who always put other’s needs and professional responsibilities before his own. He was a very generous and loving man who cared deeply about his family and many friends.

Jerry loved participating in high school marching band and nationwide Drum and Bugle Corps activities. He started as a teenager in the Nuss O’Hara Todd corps where he became Drum Major, moved on as Drum Major in The Ridley Rangers corps of Ridley Park, PA, and was Drum Major of his beloved Vasella Musketeers Drum and Bugle Corps of South Philadelphia.

As a community service, Jerry utilized his marching skills by teaching drum corps and judging band and drum corps contests throughout the northeast and in Canada. He started judging with the Mid Atlantic judging association, became the Chief Judge of the Cavalcade of Bands and is enshrined in their Hall of Fame. He also judged with the National Judges Association and Drum Corps International. He forged lifelong friendships through these activities, which also shaped his leadership skills, people skills and work ethic in his life’s work. He also judged Rainbow Girl drill teams and cheerleading competitions, as well as judging local Miss America pageants.

Jerry’s community service continued as he volunteered to help with show support with the Washington Township High School Marching band for 14 years. When Jerry resided in Washington Township, he volunteered to serve as a Democratic Committee member.

He enjoyed entertaining with family and friends, going out to lunch, enjoyed dinner out on the weekends, traveling and going to Penn State football games. The Powel’s always had fun pool parties. He enjoyed gardening and caring for his flowers. Jerry could also be found cleaning the house, his office, his car, as well as cars of friends and family.

Jerry proudly served his country in the NJ Army National Guard.

FAMILY

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Winnie, his son Jim and daughter-in-law Shawna, grandchildren Julia and Jack, Sister-in-Law, Carol Sobolewski, niece Sue Dybus (Steve), and Grand Niece Morgan.

FAREWELL CEREMONY

Relatives and friends are invited to gather from 6PM to 9PM at the McGuinness Funeral Home located at 573 Egg Harbor Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080 on Monday, June 27, 2022 and from 8:30AM to 9:30AM on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 10AM on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 in St. Charles Borromeo, R.C. Church, 176 Stagecoach Rd, Washington Township (Sicklerville).

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Moffitt Cancer Foundation at 12653 Telecom Drive, Tampa, FL 33637