Jerry Sullivan passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 3, 1928, in Sacramento to Gene and Carolyn Sullivan, Jerry lived a rich, hardworking life marked by strength, creativity and kindness.

Jerry grew up in Ferndale and on Cock Robin Island where he enjoyed 4-H in high school and proudly showed cows as a young man.

At just 17, he enlisted in the Army in 1945 by overstating his age. When the Army discovered the truth, his mother stepped in to sign for him to continue serving. He did his basic training at Fort Ord. He was on leave in Seattle in 1947 when he met the love of his life, Delphine Barnett. Nineteen days later, they were married a beautiful union that lasted 63 cherished years until Delphine’s passing in 2010.

He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for 5 years. He was an army engineer, specifically a steamfitter. He built a cozy cabin from used lumber that he obtained from the base. Delphine spent her days removing nails from the lumber. It was there that their first son, Lawrence Eugene (Larry), was born,a special chapter in their adventurous early years together.

After leaving the Army in Kansas, the family lived briefly in Lincoln, Nebraska and Jerry worked for Goodyear making radiator hoses. He left because of a strike and moved back to Humboldt County where he remained for the rest of his life.

He started an apprenticeship in masonry that lasted for 5 years. He became a master mason and bricklayer. During this time their second son, Edward Gerard, was born, adding another joyful chapter to their growing family. Jerry took great pride in repairing the boilers at the old pulp mills. There are many chimneys and brick walls that were built in the Eureka area that were a testament to his skill. He retired from bricklaying in the mid-1990s but continued to do handyman work for many more years.

Jerry was also a remarkably talented woodworker. He crafted detailed wooden cars and trucks, carefully studying and photographing old vehicles before recreating them in wood with intricate features such as gear shifts, floor pedals, dashboards, and delicately hand-turned spoked wheels. On his lathe, he created beautiful wooden bowls that were true works of art.

Jerry’s greatest joy was his family. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, he had a special way of making each grandchild feel important-whether through laughter, stories, or time spent side by side. Many will remember him in his shop, patiently creating or fixing something, always willing to share what he knew. His love, humor and quiet guidance will live on in each of them.

Jerry loved to go hunting and fishing in his younger days. He had a special affinity for Deer Lick Springs where a friend’s mother lived. He enjoyed being outdoors.

Above all, Jerry was a kind and gentle soul, deeply loved by everyone who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was famous for his wonderfully bad jokes that never failed to bring a smile. His warmth, resourcefulness, and steady presence touched the lives of all around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delphine, his son, Larry, and his brothers, Richard, Don, Roger and Jim.

He is survived by his son, Edward Gerard (wife Judy), his daughter-in-law Linda; his grandchildren, Lonnie Eugene (Chrissy), Lance Edward (Linda), Lars Eric (Tina), Lane Eldon (Arlene), Nathan Edward and Garth William. He had 10 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren with one on the way; his brothers, Philip and Larry, and his sister Joan; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Jerry’s memory by sharing a story about him, telling one of his classic bad jokes, or simply spending time with those you love.