MANTEO — Gerald “Jerry” Saulnier, 69, passed away at his home in Manteo, NC, surrounded by his wife and children on Wednesday, September 11th, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jerry was born in Iselin, New Jersey, to Emile and Jeannette Saulnier nee Michaud. One of six, Jerry enjoyed being a handful, with some of his more colorful adventures consisting of flipping cars, and accidentally setting his family’s kitchen ablaze while trying to fry french fries. From an early age, he developed a deep passion for golf and enjoyed spending many nights playing cards with family and friends.
Jerry spent his early adulthood working at the Squires Inn, making friends with coworkers and customers alike. He went on to meet and marry his first wife Julie Rifino of Dunellen. They had three children- Gabrielle, Samantha, and Benjamin, and resided in Dunellen for many years.
During these years, Jerry worked as a General Manager for HMS Host, overseeing the rest stops along the New Jersey parkway and turnpike. A devoted, yet impatient father, his kids will always remember the importance of “anticipation” when handing him a tool while he tried to fix something around the house. His love for his children was met, almost equally, with his love for salt bagels from Dunellen Bagels, Rome Pizza, and Smarties candy, which could be found in various spots throughout his car, garage, and house.
Jerry relocated to Florida in 2013 and reconnected with Patricia “Patty” Callum, a former coworker from the Squires Inn. Although he was in Florida, and Patty lived in Manteo, North Carolina, they began a long distance relationship. Long distance did not last long, and soon Jerry moved to Manteo to be with Patty, starting a love that would bring about his ultimate happiness.
Jerry and Patty squeezed every ounce of adventure and happiness out of life. Together they traveled, kayaked, enjoyed wine, attended many concerts, and became pillars of their local community. In March 2024, the two married in a ceremony by the sound, bringing together two families that were filled with overwhelming amounts of love for them. In the brief moments where Jerry was not with Patty, he could be found on the golf course (on sunny days) or the card table (on rainy days). He scored four hole-in-ones during his lifetime, a feat many golfers aspire to; and could boast a handicap low of 6.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Patty Callum, (Post Office Patty), of Manteo NC; his children, Gabrielle Saulnier Hennessy and her husband Matt of San Diego CA, Samantha Saulnier of Dunellen NJ, and Benjamin Saulnier of Brooklyn NY; his step-children, Erin Callum and her husband Daniel of Manteo NC, Jade Midgett and her husband Adam of Wanchese NC, and Max Callum and his wife Nicole of Wanchese NC; as well as six grandchildren, Parker, Saylor, Jonah, Savannah, Sasha and Coast. He is also survived by his siblings, Elaine Rusche of Cranbury, NJ brother Ron Saulnier and his wife Penny of New Bern NC; and a host of adoring nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of friends. Finally, he is survived by Narley, his devoted orange cat, who rarely left his side and often made appearances on camera when his kids would FaceTime him.
He is predeceased by his parents, Emile and Jeannette; and his siblings, Ken, Dennis, and Jeannine, as well as a bevy of close friends and extended family, that we like to imagine had a card game set up and waiting for his arrival.
As he approached the final back nine, he wished a hole-in-one to all his golf buddies and a royal straight flush to his Friday poker pals.
There will be a memorial gathering on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5 pm – 8 pm with a tribute at 6:30 at Gallop’s Funeral Chapel, 6917 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC. In lieu of flowers, Jerry would wish for you to donate to: First Tee, (Memo: Jerry Saulnier), PO Box 3055, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32004) or online at firsttee.org/donate. Please share condolences with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
