AUGUSTA and FALMOUTH Jerry Pooler, 85, passed away June 20, 2007. Born June 15, 1922, in Bangor, he was one of 15 children to Alfred and Mary (Lynch) Pooler of Bangor. He attended John Bapst High School, Loyola University and the University of Maine, Class of 1944. He was married in 1943 to his wife of 64 years, Carolyn “Kay” Luosey. Jerry lived with his family in Augusta for almost 60 years, before moving to Falmouth in 2006. He built and operated Jay’s Lunch on Western Avenue in 1957, as well as the Capitol City Motel in 1963, for many years the home away from home for state legislators, as well as summer tourists. Jerry started his career in the fur business, working in New York City in the mid-1940s, and he opened Jerry Pooler Furs, Augusta, in the 1950s. He also worked at the South Portland shipyard during World War II. Jerry was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary’s Parish, Augusta, for more than 50 years. He taught CCD classes for 10 years, was chairman of the school building committee in the 1960s, passed the basket for 30 plus years and in 2001, received a Lifetime Stewardship award. He was active with the Knights of Columbus 4th degree and said the rosary each night with his wife, Kay. He also was a member of the Lions Club, Augusta. Jerry was involved in many charitable activities, such as playing Santa at the children’s home for the mentally challenged in Hallowell and providing food and shelter at his motel for many displaced and homeless. He was a man of letters in his later years, spending many hours writing to relatives and friends. It was always a treat to receive a letter from Jerry, he had a poetic and entertaining way with words. As displayed on his website, he also became a prolific painter, creating many landscapes with an impressionistic eye. He was a renowned expert on the Pooler family tree. Jerry had a wry sense of humor and was an exceptional storyteller. He was adored by his grandchildren, and enjoyed collecting $1 bills on his birthday from every family member. He is survived by his wife, Kay; his children, Mary Pooler Barnes, Gerard Jr. “Jay,” Matthew, Christopher, Joel, Andrew Adam and Delia and her husband, Paul Crowley; his grandchildren, Jessica Pooler, Jason Barnes and his wife, Karen, Kayte Barnes, Jake Barnes and Rachel Barnes Chandler and her husband, Drew and daughter, Fiona Carolyn; his sisters, Catherine Kelly and Elaine Sciurba; and many very special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, with whom he shared close relationships. The family expresses a special thank you to the exceptional and compassionate nurses and staff of Sedgewood Commons. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sedgewood Commons, Activities Fund, 22 North-brook Drive, Falmouth, ME 04105. Arrangements by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 172 State St., Portland. Online con-dolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com
GERARD ‘JERRY’ POOLER SR.
