Gerald "Jerry" Lawler Obituary

Jerry Lawler passed away peacefully on December 10 at the age of 78. Though Jerry’s body had increasingly become less strong over the years and last months, his strength of character and love for those he held dear remained until the very end. Having grown up in Cranston, RI with his parents and younger brother, Jerry became a much-loved member of the local community when he moved to Dublin in 1968 with his wife Jill to teach at Dublin School. Little did they know that responding to an ad in the paper for a teaching job at a small boarding school in rural NH would turn into a lifetime of teaching, living and raising a family in a place that they very quickly called home.

Jerry taught math to countless students over decades at both Dublin School and ConVal High School. His passion for mathematics, and learning in general, could turn even the most reluctant learner into an interested student. Over the years he received many letters from former students thanking him for igniting in them a desire to learn and for preparing them for their lives after high school. Jerry’s passion for education became matched after retirement by his love of books. There was hardly a day that passed when he wouldn’t be at the Dublin Library or the Toadstool getting new books that would challenge his mind. 

Jerry loved many things in life, including in his younger years, sailing, skiing, music and travelling, and later, his children. But there was no love as strong as that which he felt for his wife of 53 years, Jill. When Jill became paralyzed and required care, Jerry became the most astounding, loving care giver one could imagine. In his last days, the wonderful hospice nurses who had once cared for Jill gave the same loving support to Jerry and all of them shared their admiration for the love and absolute devotion, he had shown to her during all those years of care giving. His loyalty and selflessness are hard to put words to, and one can only hope that in our hardest days we’ll have someone as unwavering by our sides as Jerry was for Jill. 

His daughters Jess and Liz and his grandchildren Nora, Gavin, Oliver and Wren will deeply miss Jerry and his wit, love and strength of character. Though these days ahead will be hard, the family will draw strength from the legacy he left in this community.