Gerald William Justen

Gerald (Jerry) William Justen went to be with his beloved Grace on August 22, 2025. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Wanda Polcyn Justen and Charles Joseph Justen. He is survived by his seven children – Ellen Justen Clarry, Terri Justen Brignac and husband David, Jeffrey Justen and wife Jeanine, Laura Justen and life partner Liesl, Gregory Justen and wife Janice, Elizabeth Justen Ehrman and husband John, Bradley Justen and wife Patty; his eighteen grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren – Mike, Lila Brooke, Lauren and Sophie Rusek; Jen Rusek; Justen, Scarlet, Barry and Banner Brignac; Jesse, Danielle, Brielle, Cole, Kennedy and Kollins Brignac; Jonathan, Ashley, Landri and Madeleine Brignac; Nicole, Matt, Evie and Matthew Shepard; Jeff Jr, Becky, Jeffrey III and Hailey Justen; Robert and Rebecca Justen; Greg Jr., Kristina, Natalie, Allie, Vanessa and James Justen; Christina, Sam, Gianna and Leo Gerace; Joey Justen; Angela, Carson, Caden and Brooks Blair; Audrey, Chris and Josh Zatopek; Becca, Josh, Ella and Chloe McCarthy; Jaime Justen and Evan Justen.

Jerry was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He worked for Owens-Illinois/Georgia Pacific for nearly forty years moving around the country from Toledo to Levittown, PA to Kenmore, NY to Plano, TX and finally retiring on beautiful Hutchinson Island, FL. Dad was an avid sportsman and founding member at Meadowood Golf and Tennis Club. He had many amazing accomplishments – a couple hole in ones, a double eagle and a 300 game in bowling. His team won the Shark Shootout at Tiburon in 2010!! Dad and Grace were avid cruisers and loved the casinos. They had many great times together all over the world.

Dad founded and coached the Newman Oilers peewee football team from 1965 to 1982. During that time, he amassed a record of 174 wins and 65 losses. Above all, he was an amazing coach and mentor to his teams. His retirement plaque reads, “A true fulfillment of the word friend and coach.” Dad was a great coach because he loved coaching and making a difference in the lives of the young men entrusted to him. That says it all.

But, Dad’s greatest accomplishment was as JJ, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. There are no words that could adequately convey how much we all loved him and how very much he will be missed. We are thankful for the time we had with him and will cherish those memories forever.