Jerry Elmer Hamilton

 Jerry Elmer Hamilton, 80, of Barkhamsted, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7th, at home. He was the husband of Heidi Merz Hamilton, since 08/11/2018, they were married at Winsted United Methodist Church.  Jerry was born in Cuba, New York on September 11, 1943, a son of the late Bernice Irene Hopkins and Archie John Hamilton. As a young child, he loved the accordion, played the trumpet one summer with his sister during free lessons and for square dances at the Grange and around the country, and later played the organ for many years. He graduated from Richburg Central School, Bolivar NY class of 1961, He loved playing sports soccer, baseball, long distance track and field he ran the mile, pole-vaulting where he set a pole-vaulting record in 1961 at his high school. Jerry got to try out for a professional baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. After finishing school, he served in the U.S. Marines as a Sergeant E-5 in the Vietnam War. Later he graduated with an associate degree from Simmons School of Mortuary Science, Siracuse, NY. A Funeral Director for 50 years, he came to Torrington, CT to work for Driscoll Motuary. Later He worked as a Funeral Director at Maloney Funeral Home in Winsted for the Walsh Family until purchasing the business from them in 1972. Jerry was active in the community; He was a lifetime member and trustee of the Winsted United Methodist Church which later closed. He was a Life Member of the Winsted Elks #844, Life Member of the American Legion and VFW, The Union Agricultural Society in Riverton, St. Andrews #64 Lodge, Advisory Board Member of the Northwest Community Bank, Member of the Directors Health Center in Winsted, The Winsted Historical Society, Member of the former Kuwani, was an honored Member of the National Registry of Who's Who in Connecticut. Jerry enjoyed music, visiting museums, collecting antique rose bowls, wood working, and doing puzzles in the winter, local trail walking, hunting with his family in his younger years, country music, fifties, and religious songs at the Church in the Wildwood. He loved animals especially his dog "Honey", watching wild animal encounters in the car rides all over CT. Loved riding his motorcycle in the country roads, roller skating dances, horseback riding, swimming, enjoyed going to his family reunions in NY, spending time with his longtime friends and family making people laugh.  In addition to his wife, he leaves 3 daughters, Jeanne B., wife of Charles Erickson, of Aloha, OR; Wendy M. wife of Martin Gonzales, of Tucson, AZ; Martha J. Hamilton, of Tucson, AZ; and a stepson Johann O. Merz, of Barkhamsted, CT; Jerry is also survived by a sister, Judith, wife of Robert Poirier, of Canada; a brother, Joseph Hamilton, husband of Polly, of Covington, KY. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Robert, Ashley, Heather, David, Naomi, Brennan, Ryan, Shaina, Ariel and Dax. And12 Great Grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews. And many dear longtime friends. He was predeceased by a brother John Hamilton, and two Sisters Jeannette Neetz and Janice Savey and a grandchild Pawnee.  Family and friends may call at Maloney Funeral Home 55 Walnut Street, Winsted, CT on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM with the Masonic service at 4:00 PM and later the Methodist prayers from Pastor Barbara Schaffer at 4:30 PM. Religious Service at the United Methodist Church, at 93 River Road, Barkhamsted in Pleasant Valley, CT, at 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 18th, with Pastor Barbara Schaffer officiating., with a graveside services at Forest View Cemetery following with full military honors.  The family asks for friends and families to share memories at www.phalenfuneral.com .And on www.maloneyfuneral.com for the last time, by sharing your memories it will console Jerry's family. In lieu  of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local Churches of your choice or to The Open Door Soup Kitchen. P.O. Box 57, Winsted, CT 06098  , or The Little Guild. of St. Francis 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall, CT 06796.

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