Jerry O'Carroll

On March 17, 2025, at the age of 75, Jerry (Gerald) O’Carroll, a longtime resident of Catonsville, Maryland, passed away after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Disease (LBD) and Parkinson’s. Born in Queens, New York, on November 26, 1949, he was the eldest of six children born to Peter George and Jeanne Marie O’Carroll. His father’s job with Shell Oil brought the family to Catonsville during Jerry’s junior year of high school. After graduating from Cardinal Gibbons High School, he met and married his first wife, Judith, in 1970, and they settled in the Paradise area of Catonsville. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Jennifer Ann, who Jerry often described as “the best thing he’d ever done in his life.”

Jerry’s career was in the car repair industry, first as a mechanic, then service manager, before finally reaching the level of Master Mechanic. Despite having a genius-level IQ over 140 and being a National Merit Scholar, he found his true calling in the garage or at the racetrack—anywhere there were engines. He could dismantle and rebuild just about anything, and when visiting family in New York, he was often handed a list of things to fix. Known for his wry sense of humor, fiery Irish temper, and deep love for his family, Jerry found joy in simple pleasures, especially his beloved cats. His favorite day of the year was Father’s Day, followed closely by his birthday, when his Great Aunt Adele would make him a homemade ice cream cake and the extended family would sing “Happy Birthday” during their large Thanksgiving celebrations.

Jerry is survived by his beloved daughter Jennifer and her husband Jeff, both of whom were devoted caregivers during his battle with LBD. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Emma and Logan, who knew him as “Pop” and whom he credited with “getting him into the Grandparents side of Heaven.” He leaves behind his siblings: brother Peter (Cindi), sister Jeanne (Sal), brother John (Linda), and brother Kevin; as well as his Godson Andrew (Ina), Goddaughter Stephanie (Chris), and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dear sister Eileen and his granddaughter Ava.

Jerry’s legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration to his family and friends.

Jerry’s family would also like to thank the dedicated staff at Lifespring Assisted Living for the excellent care and love they provided to Jerry for the last 5 and a half years. Most especially Kristen, Anthony and Nancy, they are dedicated, loving professionals who we will never be able to thank enough.