 Gerald (Jerry) William Hunter entered into eternal life on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the age of 74. Born in Paterson, NJ on November 30, 1945, he was raised by his mother Ellen (Bayda) Hunter and moved to Little Falls at the age of two years old. He was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School and William Paterson University, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. His lifelong dream of becoming a police officer was fulfilled in 1974, when he joined the Little Falls Police Department. Over the course of thirty five years, he moved up the ranks starting his career as a special officer and ending his career in the position of Chief of Police in 2009. He was a member of the Honor Legion and the Passaic County Police Chiefs Association. Jerry always took great pride in his role in law enforcement and left his mark in protecting and serving the community he loved. He was a special friend and mentor to many. Jerry made people feel like they mattered whether he was in their presence for a few seconds or several hours. He was a kind, compassionate and humble man who will be missed by many.
He was predeceased by his mother, Ellen (Bayda) Hunter and his brother Kenneth. Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Claire, who was the love of his life. Devoted father of his three cherished daughters, Christina Hutto and her husband Peter, Kathleen Hunter-Cascio and her husband James, and Jennifer Korman and her husband Seth. Adored Pop-Pop of Christopher and Victoria Babcock (along with their father George Babcock), Gianna and John Hutto, and Tyler, Alexander and Evan Korman, who will all miss his smile and sense of humor. Dear brother in law of Kathleen and Michael Jakubas. Loving uncle to Michael and Jessica Jakubas with their daughter Ava, and Janine and Herb Brychta. Loving nephew of Marie Bayda and Nancy Bayda, along with several cousins. Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 473 Main Street, Little Falls. Please arrive at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry's memory to the Little Falls PBA 346, PO Box 142, Little Falls, NJ 07424 and St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org Envelopes will be provided for both organizations during visiting hours for your convenience. Please remember masks must be worn inside the building.
33 Comments
11/22/2020 08:18:08 am
Many hearts are heavy with grief, as we heard the shocking and devastating news on your passing.
Michael Jakubas
11/22/2020 08:22:12 am
Uncle Jerry - you were not just an uncle to me but more like a 2nd father and best friend growing up. You were the funniest and kindest person I've ever met, and sure knew how to keep us all laughing until the very end. I will never forget all of the time we spent together especially up in Pennsylvania. I'll surely never ever forget you and cherish all of the wonderful times we had with one another. Aunt Claire, Chrissy, Kath, and Jen, your father was absolutely 1 of a kind and you should all be proud of him. What a guy! We will see you again one day, but until that day, with all my love and a heavy heart, Rest in Peace Uncle Jerry. You're the greatest.
Janice Love
11/22/2020 08:24:38 am
Jerry, thank you for the memories. Your beautiful family will miss you. As will your many friends.
Diane Marshman
11/22/2020 08:31:00 am
Jerry was such a amazing man and have such wonderful memories of him. Growing up as kids, he always made up laugh and always had a joke to tell. He was very kind and such a inspiration to so many. He will be dearly missed. Thank you Jerry for your dedication to your career, your community and for helping so many others. Thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Claire, his children and all of his family.
Pat Gebhart
11/22/2020 09:48:14 am
A huge loss - Jerry was such a kind man - my thoughts and prayers are with Claire and his family.
Judy Frusciano
11/22/2020 12:18:16 pm
Jerry was a wonderful man. He always had a calming effect on everyone around him. Proud to have called him a dear friend. So sorry to hear of his passing. He’ll be missed.
April Patrick
11/22/2020 12:57:21 pm
I'm sure everyone who knew Jerry is heartbroken. Such a gentle kind person. Prayers with Claire and family.
Carmen & Lorraine Emmolo
11/22/2020 03:00:31 pm
Jerry Hunter had a tremendous impact on all who knew him personally as well as the Little Falls Community. We are so very sorry to hear of Jerry passing at this unfortunate of times.we wish we could hold out our arms and hug all of you.Our sincere& deepest sympathy. Wishing all of you comfort,courage & peace. For all the many years we knew Jerry& all of you we will remember him affectionately. MAY JERRY FLY HIGH STRAIGHT TO THE ARMS OF GOD💔
Mike and Nancy Malba
11/22/2020 03:02:08 pm
Jerry was a star among stars, a true gem. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Frank and Fran Pullara
11/22/2020 04:39:30 pm
Our sincerest sympathies Claire and Family...Jerry was such a caring person and a true gentleman...he will be missed by many.
Kathleen Jakubas
11/22/2020 05:18:03 pm
Jerry...I can’t believe I am writing this. Technically you were my brother-in-law but in my eyes you were my brother and best friend. Our relationship was so special. You always made me laugh. My heart is broken in little pieces. Our family will never be the same. I love you and will miss you every day. 💔
mary louise helwig
11/22/2020 06:33:24 pm
Miss Mary Louise, children's librarian, welcomes you to your heavenly abode .Rest in peace, Jerry. You shall be missed.
Alex Korman
11/23/2020 07:15:47 am
Dear Pop pop, you were always the one who made everything better. I will miss you and never forget this.
Evan Korman
11/23/2020 07:20:45 am
Dear Pop pop, I will miss you very much...
Gianna Hutto
11/23/2020 08:25:23 am
Dear Pop,
Stephen Foster (TBPD) & Janet Foster (Racht LFPD)
11/23/2020 08:25:39 am
Many fond memories of our brother-in-blue. It was a blessing serving with you. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.
Michele and Anthony Cappiello
11/23/2020 08:36:57 am
My dear friend, you will be so missed. Just put your birthday present in a bag and was waiting to put my famous lottery ticket in as a book mark. It was about a wonderful cop, just like you. Will never forget you and Claire being there for me on one of my worst days finding my father had passed away. I called you and you both jumped in you car and were there for me. I wanted you to help dress him, which of course you knew I shouldn't. My family will never, ever forget both your kindness. My longest dearest, friends, Claire at 6 years old and you a little later. Will keep your book on my fireplace in your honor. Can just see you and Mike joking around in Heaven. Will never forget your Graduation party and "Boom Boom, Boom please come back to my room". Thanks for the memories !
John Hutto
11/23/2020 08:48:01 am
Dear Pop pop,
Barbara & Danny Murphy
11/23/2020 08:49:15 am
There will only be one Jerry and we were so lucky to have you in our lives. Your caring nature was a beacon of light in our family. From the moment you became a part of our crazy family, we knew you were a great guy. You showed such great kindness to my sister, Ginny and my parents. We will never forget you.
Victoria Babcock
11/23/2020 08:51:50 am
Dear Pop,
KORMAN (Tyler)
11/23/2020 09:26:13 am
Hey HUNTER (Pop Pop). I can't believe this day has come. I can't believe you are gone already. I will miss your thoughtfulness to me, and the rest of your grandchildren. And I will miss your funny jokes the most. Please smack someone in the head with a pineapple while gone.
Chris Babcock
11/23/2020 09:48:40 am
Hey pop I can’t believe this day has came so soon. Such an amazing kindhearted person had to leave us. I’m gonna miss you cheering me on during my football games. It’s so amazing that every single person said only positives about you. You made so many people happy. I love you so much and I can’t wait to play football and anything else for you next year.
Joe and Laura Foresta
11/23/2020 11:44:18 am
Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Jerry was a good man who lived a full life. Friendship is a connection that never weakens. We are grateful to have been Jerry's friends and will remember him always.
Doris and Alan Bruggeman
11/23/2020 01:34:00 pm
Jerry , we are so saddened by the news of your passing. Today, we talked about what an absolute gentleman you were. You were always so soft spoken , kind , respectful and genuinely a great guy . I’m sure Mike D. welcomed you in heaven. You will never be forgotten. Our sincere condolences to Claire , your daughters , and family . 🙏❤️👮🏻♀️
Erik Luker
11/23/2020 02:44:25 pm
I grew up down the street from Mr. Hunter and I was not a tame adolescent. He was always patient and encouraging with me though. He was one of the first people I told I was going in the a the Marine Corps but what I didn't tell him was that part of the reason I was doing it was because I wanted to be a police officer, just like him. Chief Hunter was a great cop and a man of the community. My service to this day reflects some of the lessons I learned from him. He lives on through his amazing family but his spirit also lives on with the many officers who now carry the torch. Rest in peace, sir.
Brian
11/23/2020 06:19:52 pm
Uncle Jerry it is very difficult for me to think how life will be without you here. I will never forget the great memories I have of you and I playing with the dogs in your back yard on Hopson Ave and taking me for walks by the river to watch the ducks. I'm going to miss our " catching up " talks we would have whenever we bumped into one another at Shop Rite. The world is a much lesser place without you and you will be missed by so many. Thank you for everything and being so great to me. Rest in peace Unc. I love you.
Ava
11/23/2020 07:59:15 pm
Uncle Jerry,
Angelo Gentile
11/24/2020 12:52:35 pm
Truly the cops cop . Jerry was the most approachable human being .You were never scared of the man behind that uniform no matter what he was there for you. I know he was there for me in good times and in bad, he would go out of his way no matter what to help the citizens of Little Falls. I know Jerry since I was a child and no matter what he was doing at that moment he would stop to talk to us. Life will definitely not be the same without him. Our thoughts and prayers to his awesome family as they go through this difficult time. We love you Jerry ... Rest In Peace
Peter & Irene Yurkosky
11/24/2020 01:15:25 pm
Just shocking. Irene and I were so saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Always a smile on his face and always a kind word. Jerry and I go back to the days of the first midget football team in Little Falls. The Silver Jets. And as a fellow police officer, I know by his kindness and compassion, that he was one of the finest. Our deepest sympathies to your entire family.
michael marchese
11/24/2020 04:24:07 pm
My condolences to Claire and the Hunter family. Sad and shocked to hear of his passing.Jerry was just a really nice guy and gentleman in every respect. Always upbeat with a smile on his face. I first met him years ago when he and Claire got their first German Shepherds. We have been friends ever since and would run into each other often around town. Special guy. He will be missed.
Marie & Don Thompson
11/25/2020 06:53:17 am
We are so saddened by Jerry's passing. He was such a warm and caring person. Always a positive outlook with a great infectious smile.
Peggy
11/25/2020 03:41:55 pm
Jerry a funny guy and always had a smile on his face will be missrd
Irene Gaffney
11/26/2020 05:02:30 pm
So saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. What a wonderful man he was. I will truly miss our chats at Shop Rite. He always asked how we were doing, especially Derek being in Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Claire and your family. Rest in peace Jer. John and Irene Gaffney and family Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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