Obituary of Gerald T Neely

Jerry Neely, age 85, a longtime resident of New Jersey, died peacefully on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Rolling Hills Care Center, Lebanon, NJ.  

Born on November 4, 1936, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, he graduated from Caldwell High School in 1955, and from The State University of New York at Farmingdale with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture in 1960.

For many years, Jerry and his wife, Barbara, owned and operated Plant Place, a landscape design and nursery business on Schooley’s Mountain, NJ. After 20 years, they semi-retired but Jerry continued working as a resident expert in the garden department at the Home Depot in Manahawkin, NJ. They settled in Waretown, NJ where they were close enough to visit one of their favorite places, Long, Beach Island.

His favorite passions included spending time with his family, debating politics, watching his beloved Boston Red Sox, and eating a good crumb bun.

Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara, in 2021, survived by his brother, Bob Fitzsimmons of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, and his three children and their spouses; G. Thomas Neely of Randolph, New Jersey, Dave and Karen Neely of Windham, Maine, and Sandy and Imre Vitez of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey; his seven grandchildren and their spouses, Gerald Neely III, Charlie Neely, Justin and Alyson Neely, Kelsey and Bob Herold, Kaitlyn Vitez, Zachary Vitez, and Sam Vitez; his great-grandson, Ryan Neely. 

Arrangements are as follows: Sunday, November 6, 2022, Viewing and Funeral Service at Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway, Whitehouse, NJ.  Viewing 11 am-12 pm Service 12 pm-1 pm. Immediately following the funeral service, reception at the Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Road, Readington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whitehouse Rescue Squad.