TENANTS HARBOR – Gerald Lee ‘Jerry’ Herring, 70, died peacefully yet unexpectedly, Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at his home.

Born in Bangor, March 31, 1948, he was the son of Horace and Lorraine Moody Herring. Jerry grew up in Tenants Harbor, attending local schools. He moved there at the age of 13, just one year before the death of his parents.

At the tender age of 14 Jerry went to work for his brother-in-law, Charles Coolbroth, Jr., in his carpentry and construction business. Together they built many homes in the area, as well as working on several large buildings. Most notably, they were proud of the work done on the Augusta Post Office as well as the Federal Building.

In 1967 Jerry was drafted into the U.S. Army. Serving during the Vietnam War, he was stationed at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division. He was later transferred to the 7th Army, stationed in Germany. Jerry was honorably discharged in 1970.

Following his service in the Army, he returned to his beloved Tenants Harbor, where he went to work on the water. For many years he fished commercially on large boats. At one time he worked as a sternman.
Later Jerry went to work for his then father-in-law, Harlan Black Construction. During this time he put his knowledge and skills to good use, building his own home where he resided ever since.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved to go hunting, fishing, clamming and ice fishing. He took great joy in watching the Red Sox on TV and listening to country music.

Jerry was a kind, quiet and laid back individual. Although private, he would do whatever he could to help others, especially his neighbors. He had a very special bond with his daughter Sam, and supported her through all of her endeavors. He was her biggest fan and most loyal supporter at the Special Olympics and he loved to give her gifts. His family remembers he never brought her a gift without bringing something special for all of the other residence at the Vera Brandes Home where Sam lives.

Jerry will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by a brother Michael Norman Herring; a sister Judith Ann Ferran, and a step-son William John ‘BJ’ Johnson, Jr.; Jerry is survived by his daughter Samantha Herring of Thomaston; his brother, Wayne Allen Herring of Waterville; his sisters, Donna Coolbroth of Tenants Harbor, Sandra Herring of Waterville, Karen Ferran of Waterville, Lynn Kocak Abrams of South Carolina; his step-daughter whom he helped raise, Shasta Johnson Minery and her husband Gary, Jr and their children, Andrew, William and Isabelle all of Tenants Harbor; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as several close and special friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Seaside Cemetery, Tenants Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, St. George Firefighters and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 or Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Road #5, South Portland, ME 04106.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.