Gerald R. 'Jerry' Ireland, 78, of Norwich, died on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Kendal of Hanover thirteen years after his Alzheimer's diagnosis.

He was with his family, who loved him throughout his gradual decline.

He is survived by his college sweetheart, Dana, his four children, Sarah, Peter, Tim, and Hannah; grandchildren, Owen, Louis, Eli, Elliot, and Nina, Milo, Colin, and Olivia and his sister, Betty, and brother, Bob.

Jerry and Dana were married in 1968, a month after graduating from Bates and both started teaching careers. Jerry quietly pioneered the new computer center at Northfield Mount Hermon School, uniquely including his expertise with local public schools. He then began his own company, Rightsizing, Inc., where he created custom databases, most notably, the genealogy database of the Mormon Tabernacle Church. He successfully became Oracle's volunteer of the year and continued to use his considerable mental mapping skills until he could not.

He was a quiet leader, captain of his teams, president of his classes in high school and college. He was steady and dependable.

Whether he was tossing grandchildren high over the ocean waves, sharpening skis until 2 a.m., baking his famous muffins, putting in the dam at the Norwich pool or beating a grandchild at chess, he was a behind-the-scenes guy. Ford Sayre, and Lightning Soccer, were among his favorites. He loved complex jigsaw puzzles, peppermint stick ice cream, and Ocean Park, Maine. His children remember that he never had designs on what they should become but a curiosity of what they might do next. He was the "gentle giant," truly one of the good guys.

The family will hold a private burial in Norwich. A memorial service will be held at the Norwich Congregational Church on Saturday, June 21, at one o'clock. A social gathering will follow in Jerry and Dana's backyard.