Jerry Keenan Humphrey

Jerry “Pete” Humphrey dedicated father of two, and friend of many, passed away on Saturday, October 29 at the age of 74 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Jerry was originally from Texas and proudly lived there for most of his life. He was born to Jerry and Wanda Humphrey in Dallas, Texas, March 10, 1948. He attended H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, TX. He went on to study at Stephen F. Austin University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Science and a Master's in Education.  He spent his time in school pursuing his passion for music : he played trombone in the marching band and had a beautiful baritone voice. Most of Jerry’s career was spent involved in the family optical business, becoming a Master Optician and president of the the Texas State Optical Association.  His focus in the association was on improving the education and training of opticians in the state. He also showed his love and passion for education by teaching optical technology and computer science at the local community college. Jerry was fascinated with science - always reaching out to help others understand the world around them. Jerry married his college sweetheart, Patricia, in 1969. They welcomed two daughters into the world, Jennifer in 1972 and Amy in 1975. Throughout the years and into retirement, Jerry enjoyed learning about model trains, new technology, spending time with his grandchildren, and making friends wherever he went. He loved his home state of Texas and all that entails: good barbecue, fried catfish, country music, the sight of hills covered in bluebonnets, a good pecan pie, and, of course, cheering on the Cowboys! He moved to New England in retirement and made many new friends here. He loved the adventure of exploring historic small towns, riding on New England trains, looking at the beautiful coasts and enjoying the vivid foliage in fall, his favorite time of year. Jerry was a stranger to no one, and found great purpose in sharing the joys and challenges of those around him. He always had a smile on his face, gregarious laugh, quick wit, and an openness that made others around him feel at ease and comfortable. He was wholeheartedly there for those in his life and the best listener. Jerry passed away in peace surrounded by his family.  He is survived by two loving daughters, Jennifer Armstrong and Amy Fischer, their spouses David Armstrong and Mike Fischer, and their mother Patricia Coats.  Jerry was a loving grandfather and will be dearly missed by all of his grandchildren:  Madelyn Armstrong, Nathan Armstrong, Alice Fischer, Artemisia Fischer and Megan Kratz, great grandchildren Preston Poarch and Kambri Kratz.  Dear friends Linda Kay Conger, Jerry and Linda Garner, and his band family from H Grady Spruce stand among the many people that will miss his presence. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary Orthodox Church 8 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139.  (Please see link below in DONATIONS.) Funeral services will be held at St. Mary Orthodox Church 8 Inman St. in Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, November 1  from 10:30 to noon at St. Mary with funeral following at 12 o’clock at St. Mary. He will be buried afterward at the cemetery of St. Xenia Orthodox Church 170 N. Lowell St. (Rte 113) Methuen, Massachusetts.

St. Mary Orthodox Church
8 Inman St., Cambridge MA 02139
Web: http://www.stmaryorthodoxchurch.org