Gerard A. Bentley
Gerard Bentley Obituary
Gerard A. Bentley, a 70-year-old proud veteran, well-known electrician and devoted husband and father, died on April 25th at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. After a two-year battle with leukemia, his big heart finally gave out. In June of this year, he would have celebrated 47 years of marriage with his wife, Doris. A life-long resident of New Bedford, he is the son of the late Bernard E. Bentley and Marie (Ciavola) Bentley.
Gerard was a graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School in Electrical Technology. From running his own business to working with major electrical companies to doing odd jobs till as recently as a year ago, he loved what he did, and did it expertly. His friends and family always called him Jerry (yes, Jerry with a “J”, not a “G”). You knew you had made it to the inner circle when he gave you a hard time and zinged you with a smart-alecky comment, then followed it up with a laugh and a bear hug. A consummate prankster, he loved nothing better than successfully executing a sarcastic joke.
In his spare time, he loved building his family tree on Ancestry.com, leaving behind binders and binders of family history, facts and stories. He was also an avid coin collector, diligently buying and logging thousands of coins over the years. His latest labor of love was building model ships. With all three hobbies, he was methodical, patient and passionate.
Jerry was a Vietnam veteran, having served two years in the U.S. Army. Subsequently, plagued by agent orange and PTSD, he never regretted in serving his country and forever found his greatest satisfaction in serving his family. He was stubborn by nature and reserved by choice, but those who loved him saw through his guard and recognized a sensitive man with a wicked sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife Doris Bentley; two daughters, Jodie Bentley-Viera and Laurie Bentley; three siblings, Bernard Bentley, Marie Jacques and Bernice Bessette; three grand-dogs, Sylvia, Nugget and TaterTot.
Jerry requested that there be no funeral. He will be cremated and buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery sometime in June. To be notified of the service date and time to honor Jerry, please contact his daughter at jodiebentley@gmail.com.
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