SOUTH PARIS — Gerald (Jerry) Allyn Hearl, 84, of Bridgton, passed away peacefully June 2, 2024, with the love of his life Bonnie by his side, at the South Paris Veteran’s Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jerry Hearl was a man of action, who was passionate about playing tennis and running long-
distance marathons. In 1976, his best friend Dr. Scott Allen persuaded him to go on a little run.
Much to his surprise, that little run turned into a nine-mile initiation done in his Converse sneakers! He was hooked though, eventually completing 17 marathons in Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, and his favorite Boston, in less than three hours over the next 20 years.

He loved gathering with friends who enjoyed his wit, insights, conversation and laughter. He also loved spending winter months in Florida where he spent time cycling, enjoying the beach, and playing tennis and golf. Jerry especially treasured being a granddad to his two grandchildren, Quinn and Riley Schieferstein.

Jerry was born October 26, 1939, in Northville, Mich., to Allyn Hearl and Mary Etta Hearl (nee Bennett). He was in a Boy Scouts of America troop for many years, taught by family friend Ken Rosecrans. Those years developed his lifelong interest in camping, fishing, and the outdoors. After graduating from Plymouth High School where he was running back in football and center in basketball, he attended the University of Michigan, BA in psychology, graduating in 1961. He played football his freshman year until a broken wrist cut short his fledgling career, but nevertheless began his exuberant support of U of M football that lasted the rest of his life. No less important were the social aspects of collegiate life and his membership in Sigma Nu fraternity.

Following graduation, Jerry attended OCS (Officer Candidate School, USN) Newport, R.I., and was commissioned as LTJG, Communications Officer, aboard the USS Zelima, one of the ships supporting the U.S. fleet during the Bay of Pigs. The ship was stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco, Calif.

In 1964, SD Warren Paper Company hired Jerry, and after a six-month training period, he joined its sales department and worked out of offices in Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and Westbrook, Maine. His work provided many opportunities for international travel that introduced him to exotic foods and cultures from China to South Africa. He retired from current owner Sappi Paper Company as vice president of sales in 2001.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Allyn Hearl (1989) and Mary Hearl (2006).

He is survived by his beloved widow Bonnie Jean Wentworth Hearl; his children Geoffrey Allyn Hearl of Honolulu, Hawaii; his daughter Whitney Elizabeth Schieferstein of Harrison; and grandchildren Quinn Allyn Schieferstein and Riley Catherine Schieferstein of Harrison.

Our family would like to acknowledge and thank the incredibly dedicated and hard working memory ward staff at the Veterans Home; Jerry was loved and cared for by so many.

Celebration of Life for Jerry will be at the Olde Mill Tavern in Harrison, Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. where friends and family will celebrate Jerry’s rich joy-filled life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org).

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com