Gerald "Jerry" B Nanstiel

Gerald (Jerry) B. Nanstiel, passed away peacefully at home in Seaford DE surrounded by loved ones on April 19, 2024, after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. Jerry was Born August 30, 1940, to Irene (Helker) and Gerald B. Nanstiel Sr in Dover, NJ. Jerry was 83 years old. Jerry is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, Son, Jerry (Jay) Nanstiel, three daughters, Colleen Labow, Chris Ann Redington and Cindi Coppedge, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He attended the Concord United Methodist Church in Seaford, previously he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dover, NJ.

Jerry lived in Dover, NJ most of his life, where he and his loving wife Ruth Ann raised their six children: Colleen Malson, Gregg Malson, Jerry (Jay) Nanstiel, Chris Ann Malson, Kathy Jean Nanstiel and Cindi Malson. In addition to his children, they took on the responsibility of raising their grandson Jason Benton shortly after their son Gregg’s passing.

Jerry retired in 2000 after spending many years as a truck driver with a CB handle of Dover Devil (Double D). Prior to that he was a roofer and dabbled in all trades. Jerry was the handiest with any tool, no job was too big or too small. If a job needed to be done, Jerry was there to lend a helping hand. Over the years, he enjoyed spending time mentoring young men, leading scouts, and coaching Little League Sports with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his indominable spirit and ability to tell a joke at every gathering.

Jerry and his wife Ruth Ann moved to Seaford DE in 2003 to follow their dreams of traveling and enjoying time together. Jerry’s life centered around his family and friends, traveling, and sports. He was an avid Jets fan and was a model train enthusiast. Jerry and his wife loved to travel in their Winnebago and was a proud member of the Winnebago Club where they traveled with friends on various caravans including a trip to Alaska. He and Ruth Ann were Diamond Members of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line where they travelled to many ports through the years, experiencing time aboard each ship in the fleet up until COVID.

Survived by the love of his life Ruth Ann of 52 years, his son, Jerry (Jay) Nanstiel and his wife Michelle, grandchild Holly, great-grandchildren Kaylee and Lillyann; daughters Colleen Labow and her husband Marc, grandchildren Jeremy Jackson and Lisa Simon, the mother of his great-grandchildren Tyler and Lexi Jackson; Curtis Labow and his wife Kelly; Chris Ann Redington and her husband Steve, grandchildren Jennifer and Jared; Cindi Coppedge and her husband Arthur, grandchild Nolan, his wife Joy and great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Briton, Briar and Bryce;

He is also survived by his brother Jack Nanstiel, step-sisters Janet Farrelly and Judy Savitz, Brother and sister-in-law Jack and Trudy Heater. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he cherished and loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Gerald, his son Gregg, his beloved grandson Jason, his daughter Kathy Jean along with his brother George Nanstiel, step-mother Marion and his step-sister Joan Connelly.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, May 18th, 2024, 11am at the Concord United Methodist Church, 25322 Church Rd. Seaford, DE, 19973 followed by a Celebration of Life at the Community House located at the back of the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Gerald's name, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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