Gerald Arthur Mahaffey

On July 24, 2026, we laid to rest our beloved brother Gerald Arthur ‘Jerry” Mahaffey, honoring his wishes for a private burial, in lieu of a traditional funeral ceremony. Jerry passed away at his home and entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Jerry was born August 15, 1959, in Sterling to Clarence Allen “Hap” Mahaffey, Jr. and Alberta Maxine Moncrief. He attended local elementary schools and graduated from Sterling High. Jerry worked a variety of jobs for a few years that included Netex/Cintas; then found his niche with RE-1 Valley School District. He served the district for a total of 35 years from September 1985 to December 2020.

Jerry was just as loyal and dedicated to family and friends. Somewhere in the early to mid-nineties, Jerry gave the gift of life to his brother Bruce by donating one of his kidneys to him. He also adored his nieces and nephews and always got a big kick out of their antics. They in turn, cherished their “Uncle Jerry” and he was always welcomed with love and opened arms. There was just something good natured about him. He was kind-hearted, sensitive, and would help in any way he could if you needed him.

Jerry’s other love was his cat, Tom, yes, “Tom & Jerry”. He would always watch people’s reaction to the name to see if they got the connection. Ha ha He also cared for the many alley cats over the years, making sure they had water, at least one good meal a day and a warm safe place to be by utilizing the old doghouse for shelter. He would have a round-up every year or so to get as many of the critters he could fix.

Jerry was an ole sole and he had one speed. He didn’t care to participate per se in activities, but he liked the behind scenes where he could observe. He loved to watch people, old and young alike, and look for the unpredictable moments to report any “tee hee” sightings or pull one of his shenanigans on someone who least expected it. He found humor in almost anything and loved reminiscing over and over. He loved the “old” big cars (classics), watching sports, fishing, gardening in his flower and tomato beds (thus the coveralls) and good music. He adored home cooking and desserts and lit up like a Christmas tree whenever someone would make a delivery his way. A grateful and appreciative young man he was.

Jerry is survived by his sisters, Linda Ramos and Marlene Mahaffey, both of Greeley, brother, Mike Mahaffey and wife Karen of Greeley; 16 nieces and nephews; and countless great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Alberta Mahaffey; his brothers Ron Mahaffey and Bruce Mahaffey; stepbrother, Jim Burkholder; Nephew, Brian Ramos; and great-nephew, Marcus Mahaffey.

If you didn’t know Jerry, you missed out on someone special…..

Thank you to friends: Lindsey (Adam) Thomas; Richard (Trisha) Serrato; and Christina Tomlinson.

Memorials may be made to an animal shelter/rescue of donor’s choice.