Jerome Michael Cahalan , June 16, 1963 – July 2, 2022
Jerry was born to William Leo and Rosanne Snow Cahalan in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in the Gesu Catholic Parish community. He graduated from at University of Detroit High School, Eastern Michigan University, and Michigan State University with a specialty in Turf Management. Jerry briefly lived in Hawaii but was a Detroiter through and through. His childhood friends from Gesu and U of D High remained his closest friends to his dying day. Jerry cherished his friendships as they were his family. He was the nucleus of every group, Jerry held us all together. With family, Jerry was the one we all went to. With his friends, it was Jerry that brought them together. To know Jerry was to love Jerry. His heart was beyond measure and compare. Jerry was quick with his infectious laugh, warm welcome, and instant bond. It was seen by his hundreds of genuine friends who loved him dearly.
Jerry spent his career in the grass. He worked on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, one Michigan’s biggest sprinkler companies, and most recently groundskeeper for a wonderful estate in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Jerry sailed many races on his friend’s boat Wind Sprint during his summers. He was an avid U of D High basketball supporter (class of ‘81). You could find him in the stands at most all their games. He traveled the world with the love of his life Mary Beth. But he could never stray far from his roots here in Detroit. He enjoyed good food, Irish music, a Guinness or two, and was the last to leave any party.
Loyalty and love were Jerry. Said by his countless friends, their greatest life moments - Jerry was there laughing and celebrating with them. Jerry’s reach was immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed by so many.
Jerry is survived by his companion in life for the past 21 years, Mary Beth Massey-Williamson, her son Matthew Williamson (Angela) and Grandpa to Liam and Max.
Jerry is survived also by his son, Michael Bradley (Holly), grandchildren, Eloise & Ethan, Jerry’s siblings, Ann(Gary), Bill ( Cathy), Molly, Kathleen, Maureen (David), John (Lyndsey), Stepmom Mary Kellett Cahalan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents, Bill and Rosanne, and brother Tom predeceased him.
The Cahalan family will receive guests on Sunday, July 17, from 2 – 8pm, at the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home downtown Farmington.
Jerry’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday morning, July 18, at 11:00 am (in state 10:30 am) at Gesu Catholic Church, 17180 Oak Dr. Detroit, MI