<p>The legendary Chappaquiddick native who traced his Island Wampanoag roots back more than 200 years, died Monday.
Gerald Jeffers, a Chappaquiddick native who traced his Island Wampanoag roots back more than 200 years, died Monday at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston from complications following a car accident. He was 84 and was a legendary figure on Chappy, the small, close-knit island situated off the eastern end of Edgartown.
Although he would no doubt shun the moniker, Gerry was a Renaissance man in the true Island style. He repaired cars, ran a small gas station, store and junkyard for many years, drove the Chappaquiddick school bus, plowed the Chappy roads, and was a volunteer fireman and a deputy sheriff for Dukes County.
He quite famously was a master at driving on the beach, and knew the rural roads, fields and beaches of Chappaquiddick like the back of his hand, from a lifetime spent exploring them.
“There is always something new you see,” he told the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine in a 1991 interview.
He was also a master mechanic and started driving at the age of nine. Soon after that he began taking cars apart and learning how to put them back together again. His formal training was at a garage in Edgartown and in the U.S. Army, where he served two tours overseas in the 1950s during the Korean War.
Gerry was born on Nov. 25, 1932, the only son of Gladys Jeffers, a Wampanoag. In a 2001 interview with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s oral historian Linsey Lee, he said he never knew his father. He grew up on Chappaquiddick where his mother, aunt and grandmother ran the Chappaquiddick Outlook, a restaurant on the family homestead overlooking Cape Pogue Pond. He was educated at the Edgartown School, later did military service and returned home to Chappaquiddick where he worked as a mechanic and drove the school bus for decades.
On an island surrounded by many miles of soft-sand barrier beaches, his skill at beach driving was widely known and admired. And when other drivers became stuck on the beach, Gerry would inevitably be called to pull them out.
“He can point to every break, and tell a soft spot in the sand by slight shading. He is so good he doesn’t even need four-wheel drive,” the 1991 magazine story reported.
In one well-told story, a pair of summer residents were trying to get their station wagon to New York city in the dead of winter one year in the 1970s. The harbor was frozen over and the Chappaquiddick ferry wasn’t running. Gerry drove the couple’s two-wheel drive car across the barrier beach that connects Chappaquiddick to Edgartown. The story was true, although like many Vineyard tales, it has taken on variations and embellishments through the decades.
In the interview with Ms. Lee, he recalled his early experiences driving on the beach.
“We didn’t have a Jeep, I used to have an old Model A Ford with big tires on it, that’s what I used for beach buggies,” he said. “I think it worked better than Jeeps, because it didn’t leave a track.”
He was married twice; his second wife, E. Mae Jeffers, died in 1989. They had three daughters and a son.
A lifelong ladies’ man, Gerry loved to flirt and had a twinkle in his eye. His longtime companion Cynthia Schilling survives him.
He was also a familiar figure on the Chappy ferry, the small, three-car barge that plies the channel in the Edgartown harbor. It was an unwritten rule that Gerry could raise and lower the ramps and put the chain down, even though he was not an employee. “See you later, Rockefeller,” was his familiar goodbye.
“Gerry Jeffers was a man of very few words. For someone who said so little, he had a huge number of friends and acquaintances,” said Peter Wells, co-owner of the Chappaquiddick Ferry, in a statement Tuesday. “His family gives their thanks and appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of well wishes, visits, cards and prayers from so many during the past weeks. He filled a special niche in our hearts, in our lives and in our community. He had a good long run. See ya later, Rockefeller!”
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.
A funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 in the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Interment will follow in the New Westside Cemetery.
An obituary will appear in the Gazette next week.
Comments
Truly one of a kind. RIP,
Kib Bramhall West TisburyTruly one of a kind. RIP, Jerry.
My first ever job was working
Robert Tanner Reno, NVMy first ever job was working for Jerry at his garage for a dollar an hour. I learned respect for mechanics and mechanical things and respect for the land and respect for the island. I ran into him two years ago when I return to chappy and we reminisced for quite a while. Fair winds and following seas, empty beaches and warm waters
Gerry, I've known all my life
David Hamblen (Hambone ) Sherman Oaks, CaliforniaGerry, I've known all my life always a laugh and a smile and,"what the hell are you up to, Hambone?" A great friend a huge loss to the island!
I am so very sorry to learn
Janet Norton EdgartownI am so very sorry to learn that Jerry has passed away! he was one of the kindest and nicest men I have ever met --When my husband Floyd and I moved back to the Island in 1978 from Conn. we lived on Chappy for awhile and that first winter I was there alone while Floyd was back in Conn. selling our house there- We had a terrible snowstorm and Jerry showed up unannounced and shoveled me out -- He wouldn't` take any money but he certainly had my gratitude and we were friends from then on -- Rest in Peace Jerry
What a beautifully written
JAMc VHWhat a beautifully written piece...
He was an amazing person. I
DeAnne Wyse Temperance MichiganHe was an amazing person. I had the pleasure of knowing him while I lived on the Vineyard from 87-93. My birthday 1 year he bought me lobster that I tried for the 1st time. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends!
It is a sad day. Gerry will
John & Elisa Villard Culpeper, VaIt is a sad day. Gerry will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
We all love Gerry and are
Lisa Haag ChappaquiddickWe all love Gerry and are greatful for his tenderness, especially with our kids. Aidan, Marina, and I will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are for his family.
Total gentleman
Hrorge Rowayton CTTotal gentleman
Gerry was the soul of Chappy.
Jennifer Schifter Washington, DCGerry was the soul of Chappy. He will be missed by everyone.
Gerry has always been a happy
Michael Check Chapaquiddick and Basalt ColoradoGerry has always been a happy, constant presence over many decades for our family’s time on Chappy and he will be deeply missed.
It is with a very heavy heart
DBar2017 EtownIt is with a very heavy heart that I read this news. Jerry was among the most gifted students of the human condition who I have had the pleasure of knowing and calling my friend. I well recall my adolescent forays to his garage on Chappy seeking his instruction on how to repair my old rattletrap CJ5. Jerry wouldn't fix it, he'd teach me how to fix it myself. I will miss his repartee, his wonderful recall of island history, and especially his stories about Chappy. You leave this mortal coil well respected and much missed.
Gerry befriended us one day
The Green Family Shamong NJGerry befriended us one day about 20 years ago when our middle daughter was playing peekaboo over the booth of a local pizza shop!!! He was so kind and generous tour little family. He took us on a tour of HIS island and every summer when we returned we would reconnect. We are so saddened by this news!!! We love Gerry! Peace our dear friend!!!
Thank you, Gerry, for all
Eugene Goldfield and Laurie Douglas, Clara Goldfield Chappy and Guilford, CTThank you, Gerry, for all your good cheer, friendly greetings on the Ferry, gifts of free ice cream to all deckhands (of which Clara
was one, for many years). With our heartfelt feeling of loss and with sympathy for his lovely children and grands -- this is a man whose
presence will be sorely missed. He will remain an elegant symbol of the old Chappaquiddick.
Sadly for us, he leaves a big
Ed & Betty Trider Chappy & The Woodlands, TXSadly for us, he leaves a big hole in the world with his passing! Chappy will never be the same without him.
I lived on Chappy in the
Kevin Griggs Hopkinton, MAI lived on Chappy in the 1980s and Jerry drove our kids to Edgartown school. You might be gone but you’ll never leave Chappy, Jerry.
May we honor Gerry's legacy
TAD ChappyMay we honor Gerry's legacy by striving to preserve the beauty of the island that he and all of the Jeffers family held so close to their hearts.
Our family has been
The Enos Family ChappyOur family has been devastated by this loss. Our kids grew up with Gerry as their bus driver, my husband was lucky enough to know him from the time he was a kid. He showed up in a snowstorm , knocking at the door to bring us cranberry bread after we had our daughter, Lucy. I loved him as our deck hand. There was no mistaking that it was time to get off when you reached your destination in either side. That “wave” off. All Gerry. He was kind and generous with his time. We will miss him terribly. We all will. He was a giant and the very definition of Chappy.
Thank you, Gerry, for
Deb Radway Montague MAThank you, Gerry, for defining Chappy.
Gman was politically
Jason Gruner Naples/WasqueGman never cared who you (thought) you were and money literally meant nothing to Gerry in my experience. He would come to my house on Wasque to push out the snow drifts (with out being asked ) and I would buy 10 gallons of diesel and place it on the loader (with out being asked ). I have many favorite stories that Gerry told me. The one that really epitomizes Gerry for me is when he was a Deputy Sheriff. Two men with the exact same charge and both having no previous record were given different sentences. One man had darker skin cell pigmentation. Gerry confronted the judge and the judge told him to mind his own business of which Gerry punched the judge in the jaw! The judge said to Gerry, I can have you arrested! Gerry said ( That would be bad for your health )... ( Gerry was not arrested)
That is the greatest generation in action ... Standing up and not bowing down.
My last interaction with Gerry was in September 2017. I left him a note on his UPS clip board. ( Hi Gerry can I buy or have the black milk crates?). In classic Gerry style being direct and a bit crusty ( No! Takes this package instead! ). My wife and I howled with laughter . I will miss you Gerry.
Warmest condolences to the
Evan Margetson Lynn and Oak BluffsWarmest condolences to the Jeffers family from the Margetson family.
Just cannot imagine being on
Camille Colantonio HinghamJust cannot imagine being on chappy without him.......a most kind and generous gentle man. Oh how I hope he wrote down all his wonderful knowledge and stories of Chappy. A gigantic loss to a little island.
Gerry was one of the most
Caitlin McNally Oak BluffsGerry was one of the most generous people I have ever encountered. He listened intently, and responded kindly, wisely, humorously, or flirtatiously. When chatting, if you mentioned a problem, he always offered sincere assistance. He called me every other week when I was going through cancer treatment and ask "How ya do'in?" He was lovely with my daughter who was so proud to be getting on his bus that first day of kindergarten. So very, very sad to see you go, Gerry.
My dear friend, Gerry. My 6
Paul Kirby Pine Point, MaineMy dear friend, Gerry. My 6 years, year-round, on Chappy '72-'77 were a wonderful time, and you were a huge part of it. I happily recall the many hours spent at your garage, sharing your many Chappy stories, as well as, your mechanical wisdom and tools. Your smile and that special laugh will never be forgotten. I still think of MVY and Chappy often - - putting air in my tires at the garage after a fun time catching the blue fish at Wasque, or dropping off and picking up Diana and Nonnie's laundry every week at your mom's house. She and Tilly were so wonderful. For many of us, the Jeffers and Chappy are one special world. May you Rest in Peace. My sincere condolences to your family. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chappy will never be the same
Luanne Johnson Oak BluffsChappy will never be the same without you, Jerry. Rest in peace, my friend.
Summered in Chappy for many
Barbara Jean Wilk Long IslandSummered in Chappy for many years, and hope there can be another Gerry so Chappy stays the same. RIP. Condolences to the Jeffers family.
Kind, determined, honest,
Just another Rockefeller... ChappaquiddickKind, determined, honest, unafraid. RIP from just another Rockefeller.
Rest in peace Gerry. You
ROBERT & CLARE HARRINGTON ChappaquiddickRest in peace Gerry. You will be missed my friend.
Gerry was "Chappy". It truly
Diane and John Riley Litchfield and Houston , TexasGerry was "Chappy". It truly won't seem the same without him.
He will be missed. Hope he is resting peacefully.
The Rileys
Jerry was the real deal. Kind
Jack McCauley ChappyJerry was the real deal. Kind, helpful, friendly -- seeing him every year with just a toot, a wave or a hello always made you feel you were back at home on Chappy! He was always helping someone or something -- a great light on the seperate isle -- we will miss him very much!
I am a better person for
Clarence A. Barnes 111 Trip West TisburyI am a better person for knowing Gerry, he taught me how to drive in a Model A Ford that had "Chappy By The Sea" and a map of Chappaquiddick hand painted on each door. Its going to take me a long to except he is not here any longer. Gerry Jeffers, Leigh Carroll and Robbie Cronig taught me my trade. Love to the Jeffers family.
To Cynthia Schilling and the
Joan Silva Pretty West TisburyTo Cynthia Schilling and the Jeffers family , I can not express the sadness on hearing about Gerry's passing. I am not only loosing a friend but a major part of my child hood. Growing up on Chappy there were very few of us year round and we were all family and took care of each other. As a little girl I remember seeing Jerry when he came home in Uniform from the Service, he stopped by to see my parents , Foster and Dodie Silva, he had that big easy grin and scooped me up in his arms and I was so happy. Trip and I will miss him .
A true friend!
Keith HamiltonA true friend!
The island lost a little
Leila sophia NaplesThe island lost a little piece of its heart and soul with passing of this sweet man. He always had the ability to put smiles on the faces of many including my mom sonya lecuona (nee ropke) & myself on the groggiest of early mornings, and at the dusk of the days on the chappy ferry and beyond. Rest well in peace Gerry
It feels like a big peice of
Sonya Ropke (nee Lecuona) ChappyIt feels like a big piece of the island is missing now.With a heavy heart i let go and breathe into the great beyond knowing that Gerry had a “good long run” as Peter said. He was an island original & although it pains my heart to know we wont see him anymore, i know that parts of him will be scattered across the beautiful landscape of Chappaquiddick, Martha’s Vineyard & in the memories of his family & friends and those who knew him.
We were rookies with three
Tom and Suellen Knight West Tisbury, MAWe were rookies with three very young children on N. Neck in the late '70's. Without Gerry's guidance and advice we never would have survived. Humiliation [to this day]does not allow me to record the "Mercedes Benz" affair but we will say that Gerry's laugh was absolutely infectious. What an outstanding guy.
To us he was and forever will
Dick and Susan Ebersol Litchfield,Conn. and ChappyTo us he was and forever will be the Angel of Chappy....one example ....that blistering hot summer day ten years ago when he happened upon me staring woefully at a flat tire on our fire engine red new Chevy hot rod which I had just come to discover the geniuses in Detroit had determined to sell without any tire changing equipment. Jerry quietly grabbed his jack and quickly removed the tire,...put it in his vehicle....told me to ljump in and drove me to his Chappy Store.....quickly fashioned a "hot patch"...took me back to the Ferry lot, re-installed the tire, and refused any payment whatsoever.....just another one of a lifetime of SELFLESS actions by the Angel of Chappy. We love you Jerry.
I will never forget MR.
James Kozak ChappaquiddickI will never forget MR. Jeffers scowling at me, warning me to pour out my nicely chilled beer, while I waited in the Chappy Ferry car line back in 1982. As Chappaquiddicks chief policeman, he was still a nice guy about it. Rest in peace.
New to Chappy three years ago
Phoebe Cole-Smith, Mike Smith, Sophie and Walker Cole Weston, CT and ChappyNew to Chappy three years ago, we knew Gerry Jeffers was a legend from the moment we met him. We feel lucky that we got to know him, even if the time was cut way too short. We loved seeing him behind the wheel of the school bus and deck handing the Chappy Ferry. Our thoughts are with his family. Such sad news.
Seeing Gerry was always a
Lucy O.Seeing Gerry was always a highlight of my day when I worked on the ferry in the mid- to late-nineties. Though our chats were always brief, I still remember many of them fondly. He had this uncanny ability to make everyone feel at ease and could chat just as easily with me, a teenager then, as he could with my co-workers who were a generation older than me. My years on the ferry were formative ones. I'm thankful and honored to have met Gerry during that time.
what a man and such a
susan mchugh chappywhat a man and such a tremendous loss to chappy, I considered him the mayor of chappy,He truelly was a father figure to myself and all 8 of my siblings, I have so many fond memmories from him driving the school bus, to running the only store on chappy and fixing our family vehicles. He had a genuine concern for everyone he met and always offered a helping had. The presence of jerry always brought a sense of security and community and chappy will not be the same without him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Mr. Chappaquiddick was Jerry
Merle and Stanley Goldstein Caleb Pond RoadMr. Chappaquiddick was Jerry Jeffers. He seems he was always looking out for us. He well be dearly missed by our family. Rest in Peace to
our special friend
Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time
My five siblings and I loved
Philip Walsh Miami, FloridaMy five siblings and I loved Jerry. But our parents knew him better than we did, so they loved him even more. Unflappable, wise in the ways of Chappaquiddick and of the world beyond, he went about his business with an uncommon mix of dignity and humor. My mother was a person of few words, but when she spoke, her words had content, and that was one reason they were close. He had the bearing of a man content with himself; so comfortable in his own skin he treated everyone with equal courtesy. I’d not heard your account of his telling the racially biased judge off when he was a young man, and thank you for that. He will be sorely missed by many. I like to think he and Foster Silva are together now, knowing a lot and saying little.
" He had the bearing of a man
Martha Magee" He had the bearing of a man content with himself: so comfortable in his own skin he treated everyone with equal courtesy." This is a brilliant description. I cannot say I knew Gerry Jeffers well but enjoyed him peripherally as he was an old friend of my dear friend Ann Margetson. I always enjoyed him and recognized him to be a strong, native soul and a person of intelligence and character. I enjoyed seeing him at the POW WOW recently. Godspeed, Mr Jeffers. I'm sure Ann and Des will be very glad to see you!
He threw me in jail one wild
Nico WalshHe threw me in jail one wild night in the 80's but he was awful nice about it.
What a sad news. I was
Katherine Kunhiraman (Kakie Siebel) BerkeleyWhat a sad news. I was gratified by the many notes people have added, for the Jeffers were so much of our lives from 1947 when we first bought the old Benny Smith farm on Quammox Road. I wish the whole Jeffers family to know how much they inspired us. John Siebel and Vance Packard jr. had interviewed Gerry's grandmother for an article in the Chappy Chatter back in the 1950s, and many were the days we sat listening to her stories with great interest. We followed Gladys and Tillie around as they brought in vegetables, beheaded chickens, boiled huge pots on the giant wood-burning stove. They were among our biggest heroes! Gerry was always so friendly and supportive, especially as we all aged. I was writing about my childhood just Monday, remembering all these things, and thinking I needed to spend time with Gerry on my next visit and dig into his story. This loss is a lesson that we should not wait to do the things that are important to us, or wait to tell those in our lives how important a part they are in it.
The "MOLD" is broken, they
Island Kid EdgartownThe "MOLD" is broken, they sure don,t make them like Jerry any more.You'll
be missed, but never forgotten...
Been dreading this day for
Gōhst ChappaquiddickBeen dreading this day for many years since Gerry was the heart and soul of this island and will be sorely missed.
Won't be the same w/o him.
On occasion one reads a
Stan Lieberman West Chester PAOn occasion one reads a tribute (a/k/a obituary) to a person that engenders the thought: "I wish I had known him." That is my reaction to Gerry Jeffers passing. My late wife and I spent many two week sojourns on Chappy in the 1990s. I choose to think that our paths intersected with Gerry's albeit briefly and unknowingly on the many trips back and forth on The Chappy Ferry and that our lives are better for being in his aura. He was in every sense a true mench. May his memory always be as a blessing
I'm at a loss for words with
Benjamin Hall, Jr. EdgartownI'm at a loss for words with sadness and sorrow for the Jeffers family.
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