Jerry Francis Goldsberry, beloved husband, father, and papa, passed away on May 12, at the age of 68, after a battle with kidney cancer. As per his wishes, he spent his final months and days at his most treasured place: home. Home was where his spouse of 48 years, Mary Monzingo Goldsberry, took care of him with the tenderness and loyalty that only a soulmate can truly provide.
Jerry is survived by his wife, three children, Ginae Smith (Scott Kirk), Jason Goldsberry (Katie Goldsberry), and Nick Goldsberry (Laura Goldsberry), seven grandchildren, Jaidyn, Rylie, Tristyn, Kuyler, Harper, Cannon, and Jameson, and older brother, Mike. He was predeceased by his mother, Shirley, father, Jerry, and younger brother, Dave.
Growing up in “South O,” or South Omaha, Jerry happily ran around with his brothers, stepping on yellow jacket nests in the grass and dirtying his knees, until he met the person who would change his life: the tall brunette named Mary that made him think, who, me? Together, Jerry and Mary crafted a life in their sweet Nebraska that was just right, not too big and not too small. Jerry appreciated simple but true things, like his wife’s smile, coaching his children to play soccer, working on his Chevys in the garage, and grilling a steak on a summer’s night.
A draftsman by trade, Jerry spent many days designing precast buildings. Eventually, his work brought him to sunny Colorado where he and Mary were excited to spend their next chapter nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. As a proud Knight of Columbus, Jerry also embraced service to his church, and spent his nonworking hours serving food, giving prayers, and organizing car shows for charity.
Though Jerry was lovingly known for being a jack of all trades (and he would say, “master of none”) and loved his work, he was most fulfilled and happiest when he was surrounded by his family. During his last days of life, he murmured peacefully about dreaming of this family. Papa will be remembered for many things, but perhaps most warmly, for his hearty laugh when grandkids sat upon his lap, or the hours spent with his children working on their cars.
Though gone too soon, Jerry has left us with warm memories of a man loyal to his family and to his faith. We will tip our hats each time a red Camaro rolls down the road and remember you. Peace be with you, Papa; you are loved.
Services in honor of Jerry Goldsberry will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022:
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Longmont, Colorado
10:00 a.m. Rosary
10:30 a.m. Memorial Service
A service and burial will be held in Nebraska at a later summer date. Details to come.
Beautiful tribute to Jerry! It will make Harper and Jameson so proud of their Papa when they look back and want to know more about him. And I hope it eases some of Jadon’s sorrow I. This sad moment.