Gerald "Jerry" Ganley, of Burlington MA, passed away after a long illness at Ayer Valley Nursing Home on Friday, April 24 2026. He was 85 years old. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jeanne (White) Ganley originally from Gloucester MA.

Jerry was born to George and Bertha Ganley and was raised in Burlington, MA. Growing up as the youngest of 15 children in a small home shaped his deep sense of family, togetherness, and looking out for others. He thoroughly enjoyed being around people and was always ready for a thoughtful conversation, whether it was about current events, sports, technical topics, or whatever was on someone's mind.

Jerry lived in Burlington most of his 85 years, was a 1963 Mechanical Engineering graduate of Lowell Technological Institute, and went on to work at United Shoe Machinery Corp, RCA, Digital Equipment Corp, Wang Laboratories and General Electric.  Outside of work, he spent countless hours on home projects, renovations, car repairs, and maintaining the family cabin in Lovell, Maine. He often collaborated on the home projects alongside his children, his late brothers (John, David, and Dickie) and his late father-in-law, Peter J. White, sharing ideas and problem solving.

A passionate athlete and sports fan, Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Burlington High School, where he played quarterback under head coach Dick Roach and he helped lead the team to a Lowell Suburban Conference undefeated championship season. He later coached his sons and nephews in basketball and baseball, passing along his love of sports and teamwork.

In addition to being close with his immediate family, Jerry was always closely connected with his siblings, staying in contact through visits, calls, and gatherings. He often organized family cookouts, especially enjoyed the annual Ganley family reunion at Kingston State Park, and took special care of his mother, Bertha "Nana" Ganley in her later years.

For over 35 years, Jerry lived with a progressive neurological illness, facing it with determination and resilience. Despite its challenges, he remained engaged in life, enjoying his family, reading and faithfully following all Boston sports teams.

He was the loving father of Allison and her husband David Kennealey of Grantham, NH; Michael and his wife Diane of North Palm Beach, FL; and Gregg and his wife Heather of Groton MA. He was "Grandfather" to his seven grandchildren: Liam Kennealey and Collin Kennealey of Weymouth, MA, Erin Kennealey of Derry, NH, Garrett Ganley of Venice, CA, Gabriella Ganley of Newport Beach, CA, Joseph Ganley of Weston, MA and Camryn Ganley of New York, NY. He was the youngest brother of Charlene "Sugar" Hagan and the late Pearl Parsons, William "Buddy", George, John "Red", Thomas "Toppy", Donald "Doey", Warren "Iggy", Ruth "Ruthy" Hill, James "Jimmy", Robert, Ralph "Steve", Richard "Dickie", and David "Digger" Ganley.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington from 3:30 to 6:00pm, with an open invitation to a gathering at a local restaurant immediately following. A period of sharing of memories will take place at the last 30 minutes of the viewing. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Easterseals Massachusetts, 18 Chestnut Street, Worcester, MA 01608 or at www.easterseals.com .  For directions, obituary, and online guestbook, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.