Gerald "Jerry" Gumora

(Aka Jerry, aka Red, aka, Yankel, his Yiddish name adoringly called by his mother)

Gerald Gumora, affectionately known as Jerry, was born July 26, 1937, in Bronx, New York. He was the oldest of three siblings born to the late Joe and Jean (Golov) Gumora who immigrated from both Poland and Ukraine, respectively.

Jerry attended Monroe High School and then joined the United States Air Force in 1955. He was an Airways and Air Communication Specialist (AACS) serving from 1955-1959. He was mainly stationed in Pennsylvania during his service.

After Jerry returned home from the Air Force, he soon met Lavalette Penn. The two wed in 1960, long before interracial marriages were legalized in most states. To this union, they had six children - Denise, Michael, Lisa, David, Rebecca (stillborn) and Joshua. They lived and raised their children on the city’s upper west side (UWS), and together became a integral part of the UWS community.

Jerry worked locally for Eden Trucking before spending more than forty years at Barney’s and becoming the company’s top producing wholesaler of electronics. He had a significant recurring customer base in the tri-state area, of whom today, many still remember him. Jerry’s successful salesmanship was a direct result of his natural ease to make everyone feel like a good friend. Most of his clients were so loyal, they refused to purchase from any other wholesaler but Jerry. As busy as he was, Jerry still found the energy to remain connected to the neighborhood. He helped young people get their first job experiences at Barney’s. He sold electronics to families and friends at a discount? He had a network of followers including celebrities who would seek him out regularly for the latest televisions, air conditioners and very first Walkman players. So many will remember his legacy of endless generosity.

Over the course of these many years Jerry and Lavalette enjoyed one of their favorite pastimes - travel! Whether it was far away in Europe, Israel, Canada and multiple islands in the Caribbean or just locally to Ocean Beach, Fire Island - they explored and made countless memories together and with their children.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Jean Gumora and his wife of 49 and a half years, Lavalette L. Gumora and Lavalette’s daughter, Teresa (Reese) Crawford. He is survived by his five beautiful children, Denise, Michael, Lisa, David and Joshua; eleven grandchildren, one great grandchild and one great-great grandchild; two younger sisters Anita and Irene; two son in-laws; one daughter in-law; one goddaughter and a host of extended family such as cousins, long-time neighborhood friends, doctors and care-givers alike.

We all miss and love you Dad/Jerry – Rest in Power.

From Sunrise: July 26, 1937

To Sunset: August 10, 2022