Gerald E. Porch

Gerald “Jerry” Edwin Porch, 93, passed away on November 16, 2025, at his residence in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Jerry and his wife Adelaide lived together in Cherry Hill and Pennsauken for 73 years until her passing in 2023. He continued to live in their home in Pennsauken until his death.

Jerry worked for Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania (later Bell Atlantic) for almost forty years. His passion to protect the welfare of his colleagues led him to participate in union affairs, including serving as Vice President of the Philadelphia Division of the Federation of Telephone Workers of Pennsylvania. He later became Labor Relations Manager for Bell Atlantic until his retirement in 1991.

Jerry was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Merchantville from his marriage in 1951 until his passing. He served on the Church vestry and as Senior Warden for many years.

Jerry was a life-long learner, avid reader and traveler. Above all, he is remembered as the consummate family man. He dearly loved Adelaide, his wife of 71 years. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He shared with his family his never-ending optimism, sparkling sense of humor and abiding belief in the goodness of those around him.

He is survived by his and Adelaide’s daughters Sherri Rusk (Edward) and Judy Leone (Peter), his granddaughters Megan Atkinson (Aaron), Brittany Pursel (Nicholas), Katherine and Mariana Leone, and great-grandchildren, Joshua and Juliana Atkinson and Savannah Pursel. He is predeceased by his parents Florence and John Flemming, and his brothers, Harry (Vivian) and Thomas (Jessie) Porch.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 7 East Maple Avenue, Merchantville. Requiem Eucharist will follow at 12 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, c/o the Building Fund or Samaritan NJ.

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