Gerry Palaganas Sr. peacefully departed on Sunday, March 17th  2024, just hours after celebrating his 77th birthday, at home surrounded by close family.

Gerry was born in the Philippines in the town of Binmaley in Pangasinan to parents Anita Ferrer Palaganas and Domingo Palaganas. He was the fourth child of seven. After graduating from Holy Rosary, he went to University of East then joined the US Navy in 1966, first stationed in Virginia. He was a Chess Master representing the Navy, competing and winning matches in Washington D.C. and Virginia.

After discovering his highschool crush, Corazon, was in Philadelphia, he then transferred to Philadelphia where they married 52 years ago and where he became a public health inspector for 15 years and attended classes at the University of Pennsylvania. Gerry worked with the Postal Service for 25 years when they moved to New Jersey, and then later in California. On the side, he also owned a building renovation company. In his retirement, he worked as a Casino Floor Person at Pala Casino in Temecula, CA. 

Gerry, affectionately called “Pops,” was renowned for his boisterous and contagious laughter, unwavering integrity, keen intellect, humbleness, loyalty, and selfless dedication to serving others. He was tirelessly productive, constantly lending a hand and building projects for the benefit of his family and friends. Above all, Gerry’s life revolved around his devotion to his wife, and he served as the “rock” for both his immediate and extended family.

Gerry is survived by his wife Corazon Palaganas; his three children Gerry Jr. (and wife, Belle) Palaganas, Paul (and wife, Valerie) Palaganas, and Janice (and husband, Alex) Palaganas-Ramos; his six grandchildren Jayden, Owen, Jianna, Emerson, Colette, and Isabel; siblings Arturo Palaganas, Rizalino Palaganas, and Estrelita Angud; and a host of friends and relatives who will miss him dearly.

Donations in Gerry’s name may be made to: gofund.me/e5e506ae(opens in a new tab)

A memorial service is planned at Holy Family Church in Sewell, NJ on Saturday April 6th, 2024 @ 11:15am.