Gerald “Jerry” Lyman, 81, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Born on May 12, 1945, in Providence, Rhode Island, Jerry lived a life defined by service, achievement, curiosity, and generosity. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967, including service in South Korea, and was honorably discharged.

Following his military service, Jerry pursued higher education, graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1971. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA in 1977.

Jerry went on to build a distinguished career as an electrical engineer and engineering leader. He began by writing technical manuals for antenna and filtering systems used at communication sites throughout the United States. He later joined Conoco Inc., where he designed communications systems for refineries and offshore oil platforms across the country. Among his many accomplishments was developing a communications system that allowed offshore platform management to directly connect with any telephone number, significantly improving communications during offshore oil transfer operations.

Jerry was later appointed Engineering Manager for the first NEXTEL cellular two-way radio system. As the company expanded internationally, he became Director of International Field Engineering, overseeing the deployment and optimization of cellular communication systems throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. His innovative work helped shape communication technologies that connected people around the world.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jerry embraced life with the same enthusiasm and determination that defined his career. He enjoyed running marathons and was a competitive swimmer whose love of the water extended far beyond the shoreline. As a NAUI-certified scuba instructor, he introduced many family members and friends to the beauty of the underwater world, sharing his deep appreciation for the ocean and its aquatic life.

Jerry was also an exceptionally talented woodworker who found joy in designing and crafting beautiful furniture and intricate wooden pieces. Whether engineering complex communication systems or creating something with his own hands, his curiosity, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail were evident in everything he did.

Jerry approached every chapter of his life with discipline, humility, and a desire to learn. Whether serving his country, advancing communications technology, exploring the underwater world, or crafting beautiful works of wood, he pursued each passion with dedication and generosity, inspiring those around him. He will be remembered as an intelligent, kind, and loving husband, father, brother, teacher, and friend whose quiet strength, unwavering determination, and unmistakable sense of humor touched countless lives.

Above all, Jerry treasured his family. He found great joy in sharing his knowledge, encouraging others to pursue new adventures, and celebrating the accomplishments of those he loved. His greatest pride was not only in what he achieved, but in the lives he touched along the way.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Nancy Lyman; his sons, Joseph S. Lyman and his wife, Cheryl, of Lucedale, Mississippi, and John F. Lyman and his wife, Stacy, of Manheim, Pennsylvania; his brother, Arthur Lyman of Florida; his sisters, Lisa Johnson and her husband, Greg, of Connecticut, and Laura Lyman of Vermont; as well as many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Jerry’s life was a testament to curiosity, perseverance, and quiet generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of service, innovation, craftsmanship, and love that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the stories shared, the lessons he taught, and the countless lives he enriched.

Funeral services will be announced by the family.