CHICOPEE – Gerald F. "Jerry" Foley, PhD, 90, formerly of Fairview Avenue in Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. He passed into Eternal Life at Bear Mountain at West Springfield surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Springfield on May 12, 1934, a beloved son of the late Michael F. and Rose J. (Gilmartin) Foley. He was raised in Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and attained the rank of Corporal. Following his military service, he returned to Westfield where he married the love of his life, Irene. He furthered his education and received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Westfield State College. He received his master's degree followed by his Doctorate from the University of Buffalo. He began his educational career as a science teacher in Buffalo, NY, then after receiving his doctorate, he became the Principal for the Rye City School District in New York. He later became the Superintendent at Port Byron Central School District, then Assistant Superintendent at Cortland-Madison Counties BOCES, and finally retired in 1991 as the Superintendent at Middle Country Central School District, all in New York. Jerry was an avid reader and would often enjoy a James Paterson novel. He enjoyed having his early morning coffee (and a corn muffin or a toasted water roll) with his many friends at Petro's Restaurant in Chicopee. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Irene (Gietek) Foley who was Called Home on October 29, 2023. They were married on July 9, 1960 at Saint Patrick Church in Chicopee and they were blessed with over 63 years of happiness together. He leaves his two loving and devoted children, Kathleen M. Lubrano and her husband, Vincent, of Lewes, DE, and Michael J. Foley and his fiancée, Jennifer C. Stuart, of Easthampton; his cherished grandson, James D. Lubrano and his fiancée, Janet Hernandez; his two dear sisters-in-law, Eileen Curran and her husband, Emmitt and Jean Foley; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended family members. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his two dear brothers, Michael Foley and John "Jack" Foley; and his dear sister, Patricia Fenton and her husband, Jack. Family and friends are invited to attend his Committal Service with United States Marine Corps Military Honors on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. The St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177) 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 has the honor of assisting his family. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com