Gerald Louis McPolin
September 13, 1939 - May 11, 2015
Jerry (Gerald Louis) McPolin passed away May 11, 2015, at his home with his beloved family at his side.
He was born September 13, 1939, in Park City, Utah to James Edward McPolin and Lorraine Lindstrom. He spent his youth growing up on the McPolin farm. As a teen and young adult, he lived in Salt Lake Valley with his grandparents Patrick Michael McPolin and Grace A. Crossman. He graduated from South High School in 1957.
He married the love of his life Sharon Maestas at The Cathedral of the Madeleine on February 19, 1966. Jerry and Sharon shared 49 affectionate and devoted years of marriage together. Jerry was very proud of his loving and caring children Sheri Ann McPolin and Daniel Patrick McPolin.
His memorable smile came out often and his face would especially light up in the presence of his grandchildren: Preston, Devin, Maddison, Baron, and Piper. He thoroughly enjoyed having family around him while relaxing in his leather chair with a bowl of M &Ms and his crossword puzzle.
He was proud of his Irish heritage and took joy in participating in the yearly St. Patrick's Day parade with his extended family. Jerry was a golf enthusiast with a true passion for the game; he enjoyed days on the green with his Whack Pack buddies. He was an avid Ute fan and spent several years tailgating and attending football games. Along with his wife, Jerry enjoyed spending time with their many friends playing cards, going on trips, and finding any occasion to celebrate their friendship.
Jerry was devoted to his Catholic faith and was a longtime parishioner of St. Therese Church. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, participated as a Eucharistic minister, and along with Sharon was active in Marriage Encounter. He was also a loyal and dedicated employee for over four decades in the grocery business. He retired from Smith's Food & Drug in 1999. Since then he has joined Sharon in her business as a sales rep, traveling throughout the western states and to cities like New York, New Orleans and even Paris, France.
Jerry is survived by his beautiful wife Sharon; his daughter Sheri McPolin; his son Danny (LeeAnn) McPolin; his five grandchildren; his siblings Michael (Gayleen) McPolin, Layne (Nancy) McPolin, Janean McPolin, Jolene (Bruce) Hancey, Sherie McPolin, Terry McPolin, and Dean McPolin. He was loved by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members and friends. He will be dearly missed by all.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16th at 9:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 624 West 7870 South (Lennox Street) Midvale. Celebration of life will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com
The McPolin family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Utah Cancer Specialists, Dr. Nitin Chandramouli, Dr. Stacy Bank, and the loving care of Rocky Mountain Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to The Utah Cancer Foundation.
In Loving Memory
Dear Sharon, Sheri and Danny, I loved your dad and will miss his contagious smile and laugh. He was one of the kindest people that I knew. Our family and yours have shared so many memorable times together. Gene and I are pray for you and grieving with you Sincerely, Ann Marie
Ann Marie Werlitsch
Albuquerque, NM
Sharon I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. We will miss his smiling face at the ABC shows. You and your family are in my thoughts during this time of grief. Sincerely, Lynne
Lynne Lamb
Minneapolis, MN
Dear Sheri, I read about your dad this morning. I am so sorry for you and how much you will miss him. He must have been a very special person. What a nice obituary. Hope all goes well and remember the good times. Love, Grace
Grace Hansen
Murray, ut
We are so very sorry to hear of Jerrys passing, he was a compassionate, caring, wonderful guy who always had a hello and a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time of sorrow. He will be missed! God Bless Love and Peace Kim Kankelborg and The Kankelborg Family
Kim Kankelborg
Midvale, Ut
What a special man and special family. I have been their neighbor and known Jerry my entire life, and I am a better person for it. Our talks over the fence or out in front of the house will always be remembered and missed. We love the McPolin family and our love and support goes out to you. Sincerely, Trenton and Karen Jensen
Trenton Jensen
Midvale, UT
Sharon, Sheri and Danny, I loved Jerry he was such a warm and wonderful person. We could not have asked for a better neighbor and friend. I truly enjoyed talking with him. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerely, Annette
Annette Matthews
Sandy, Ut
Sharon, Sheri & Danny, Such a beautiful obituary for such a beautiful man. He always made you feel welcome and such a big part of his life. I feel fortunate to have know him. My pray are with you all & know how sorry I am for you loss.
Kathy Cooper
Hurricane, UT
Dear Sharon, Sheri and Danny What a flood of memories passed my mind this morning. All those years we lived neighbors and never a hint of problems. Give my love to Preston. I haven't forgotten his beautiful personality. He will go far in the world. With much love. Margaret
Margaret Turner
Bountiful, Ut
Dear Sharron and family We lost a special person,l always remember his smile and hugs,both were always there for AL and I. May God fill you with His healing love, compassion and may His peace be yours. Knowing Jerry is safely at home in the arms of his Heavenly Father what joy! ! Peace and love Gloria Lucero and family
Gloria Lucero
Midvale, ut
Dear Sharron and family We lost a special person,l always remember his smile and hugs,both were always there for AL and I. May God fill you with His healing love, compassion and may His peace be yours. Knowing Jerry is safely at home in the arms of his Heavenly Father what joy! ! Peace and love Gloria Lucero and family
Gloria Lucero
Midvale, ut
Dear Sharon and Family, Wanted you to know what a pleasure it was getting to know Jerry, always the gentleman. We'll all miss his smile. Manuel
Manuel Romero
Sandy, Ut
Sharon, We were so saddened to hear about Jerry. Such an amazing man, with such a wonderful personality. We enjoyed having you both over for several of our parties, and always loved bumping into you and Jerry at the St. Patrick's Day parade over the years. It was fun talking cars with Jerry, and if I recall the right vehicle, remember how much Jerry loved his Highlander. He will be missed!
Pete & Bonnie Granzin
SALT LAKE CITY, uT
Sharon, I am very sorry to hear about Jerry. I'll always remember Jerry with a smile on his face. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Brandon
Brandon Elizondo
Riverton, UT
Sharon and Family, We were deeply sadden to read in the paper of Jerry's passing. What a wonderful tribute to Jerry. We will always remember his friendliness and great smile. You have such a beautiful family. Thinking about you, Craig & Carolyn Mallory Midway, Utah
Carolyn and Craig Mallory
Midway, Ut
Dear Sharon and family, Mike and I were shocked to read about Jerry's passing. We remember a lot of Marriage Encounter gatherings and potlucks dinners. We cherish those good times. God bless you and your precious family. We love you. Mike and Carolyn Stransky
Michael & Carolyn Stransky
Salt Lake City, Ut