Gerald G Pettiford  July 31 1958

Gerald G Pettiford July 31 1958 May 24 2020

July 31 1958 May 24 2020
Obituary Gerald Pettiford, 61, of Newark, NJ, passed away on the night of May 24, 2020 in East Orange, NJ. Gerald Pettiford was born in Newark, NJ on July 31, 1958 to Alexander and Marie Pettiford. He graduated from Barringer High School and went on to attend Upsala College. Following college, Gerald joined the US Air Force Reserves initially serving at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. “G”, as some called him, was friendly and could strike up a conversation with anyone, usually displaying a level of charisma possessed by few. He was passionate about music, history, reading, military shows/content, dogs and people, which placed him squarely in the center of many fascinating conversations. Gerald married twice and had two daughters, Danielle “Simone” Pettiford and Shalah Monique Pettiford, one from each union. Having served in the US Air Force Reserves was a source of great pride for Gerald. He trained to be a medic, which led to his early career as an Emergency Medical Technician. Moreover, military service gave him discipline and focus that he used throughout his life. Gerald was a “jack of all trades”, always with an emphasis on sales, from finance to insurance and telecommunications where he excelled because of his gift of gab. At the time of his death Gerald was looking forward to retirement and more time to focus on his community interests. Gerald often found himself in the company of like-minded individuals and became involved in a host of organizations, including various United House of Prayer groups/bands, sports teams, and most notably he considered himself a black panther. He was a gifted musician and linguist often learning a new instrument simply by “giving it a try”. From drums to the trombone, trumpet and sousaphone, Gerald quickly learned and soon mastered each. Early in life Gerald picked up both Mandarin and Spanish. In his last year of life, Gerald enjoyed taking walks, always stopping to take in a cool breath of fresh air. Gerald “G”, GP, Uncle Gerald, Jameel, Grandpa, Mr. “G” was an amazing man and all who interacted with him became part of his life-story. Gerald was preceded in death by both parents Alexander and Marie Pettiford, sister Helen Marie Goode, brother Ernest Richard Mintz, and his right hand (dog) Caine. He is survived by his daughters Danielle “Simone” Pettiford (NJ) and Shalah Monique Pettiford (NJ), siblings Kathleen G. Mintz (NC), Murry C. Mintz (NJ), Alexander Pettiford, Jr. (NJ) and Rita Pettiford (NJ), four grandchildren along with a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the World Central Kitchen (wck.org) in memory of Gerald’s love of good food as well as his clear recognition that too many people go hungry when a crisis occurs. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Gerald Pettiford. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gerald “G” Pettiford, please visit our Tribute Store. Events Final Resting Place Evergreen Cemetery 1137 North Broad Street Hillside, NJ . Get directions View MapTextEmail

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald G Pettiford July 31 1958 May 24 2020.

Perry’s Funeral Home

Death notice for the town of: Newark, state: New Jersey

death notice Gerald G Pettiford July 31 1958 May 24 2020

obituary notice Gerald G Pettiford July 31 1958 May 24 2020

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