Funeral services were held Tuesday for former Lincolnwood mayor Gerald Turry, who is also being remembered as a doting family man and Chicago Cubs baseball team enthusiast.
“It is with sadness that the Village of Lincolnwood announces the passing of former Mayor Gerald C. (Jerry) Turry,” reads a village news release. He died Aug. 14 at age 81.
Turry was first elected as a village trustee in 1995. Then in 2005, he was elected mayor and served several terms until 2017.
“During his time in office, he provided strong leadership that improved infrastructure, secured grants for trails and a pedestrian overpass, and supported key economic developments including new retail and dealerships,” according the release. “His administration earned multiple budget awards and implemented important policies that helped guide Lincolnwood’s growth.”
In 2023, the hall where Lincolnwood village board meetings are held was renamed the Gerald C. Turry Village Board Room in his honor.
An online obituary states that Turry had been married to his “high school sweetheart” Nancy for 59 years. He was father to Benjamin and Adam, and Jennifer – who preceded him in death.
A Loyola University alum, Turry was also athletic director at Niles West High School for 17 years. He was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2006.
“Jerry was a man of many talents and interest including cyclist, toffee maker, dog lover and Cubs fan enthusiast!, according to the online obit.
Graveside services were held Tuesday morning at Zion Gardens Cemetery in Chicago. Shiva was scheduled for Wednesday evening at Bryn Mawr Country Club.