Gerard Robert Lennon

Jerry grew up in Riverdale, in the Bronx, New York. The cherished and devoted son of Hugh and Margaret (Peggy) Lennon (O’Brien), whose love shaped the man he became. He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh.

 He was the adoring father of Veronica Lennon, pouring his boundless heart into her life.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Denise Lennon, whose love and partnership were central to his life.

Jerry was the deeply loved brother of Johanna (Loren), Hugh (Kim) & Deirdre (Russ). 

He was the treasured uncle to many nieces & nephews -Brian, Jessica, Jeffrey, Tiernan, Devin, Justine, Rae, Rory & Nicholas - as well as a continually growing circle of grand nieces and nephews. Much-loved cousins, who were like beloved siblings, aunts and uncles, and endless friends and extended family who were fortunate recipients of his love and friendship -Andrew, Kayla, Kateri, Mariah, Zavynn, and the Boyle Family. 

As a boy in Riverdale, Jerry’s days were filled with the crack of baseball bats and the bounce of basketballs. Summers found him lifeguarding and counseling at day camps in the Catskill Mountains, where he created even more cherished bonds that endured throughout the years.

He proudly attended St. Gabriel’s grammar school and Mount St. Michael High School, both in the Bronx, laying a foundation for a life of service and courage. After a stint at SUNY Cobleskill in 1986, Jerry joined the New York City Police Department, serving with honors in Bronx PSA 7 and the 43rd Precinct. Days shy of receiving a promotion to Detective, he followed his passion and calling to the New York City Fire Department, bravely serving with Engine-90 and Ladder-41. On September 11, 2001, Jerry answered the call without hesitation, rushing into the chaos of that life-changing event. He retired in 2004 after sustaining World Trade Center-related injuries and ultimately succumbing to those injuries.

 Jerry spent his later years surrounded by love with his wife, Denise, at Whispering Creek community, where they built a beautiful life together. He devoted much of his time to serving food to the community with Mike (Sally) and enjoyed staying active through bocce ball, shuffle board, and poker. Jerry especially loved games—most of all dominoes with the boys, Bobby and Nole, at the house in Durham, where friendly rivalry and good-natured taunts over who would win were always part of the fun.

How does one sum up a life? Especially one of the funniest and most vibrant, with quick wit beyond measure. Never a dull moment when Jerry was involved, and always roaring laughter. We will forever remember him with smiles through our tears, his infectious spirit in our hearts.

Jerry embraced life with endless passion – whether cheering for his favorite teams, savoring music, movies, and games! A fierce competitor who made games maddening and so much fun. Games mattered because people mattered. Together with Denise, he created a home that felt warm and inviting. Above all, Jerry’s devout faith in Our Lord was the guiding light of his beautiful, though far too short life. We are all blessed to have known him.

Jerry will be endearingly pacing a path (back and forth, back and forth) straight into heaven, paving the way, making sure none of us ever get lost.

We will profoundly miss you, Jerry. A faithful servant of the Lord, until we meet again.

Please join us: 

St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church 401 South 33rd Street Fort Pierce, FL 34947

772-461-2232

January 23rd, 2026 @ 10 am

Or

St. Gabriel Church in Riverdale 3250 Arlington Ave Bronx, NY 10463

718-548-4470 TBA

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the NYFD Burn Center:

The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation 21 Asch Loop, Bronx New York, 10475 Phone: 718-379-1900

Email: thenyffburncenterfoundation@gmail.com Web: www.nyffburncenter.com

Or

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10306