Gerald M. Heath

Gerald M. “Jerry” Heath, of Farmington Hills, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose quiet strength and steady love sustained his family, passed into eternal life on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Novi. He was 89 years old.

Born May 12, 1937, in Port Huron, Michigan, Jerry’s early education included attending a small schoolhouse where children of several grades learned together. He later graduated from Port Huron High School in 1955 and furthered his education by earning an associate’s degree in accounting. From those beginnings, he developed the resourcefulness, work ethic and understanding of people that would distinguish his life.

Jerry met Gail at a restaurant in Detroit where she worked, regularly stopping in to collect an elaborate order of coffees for his coworkers. Gail would later joke that she never quite got the order right; Jerry admitted that the coffee wasn’t his only reason for returning. Their friendship grew into a marriage spanning 63 years, grounded in companionship, loyalty and a willingness to care for one another through every season of life.

Jerry built his career at Hercules Steel, working his way from the plant floor to general foreman and ultimately plant superintendent before retiring in 1999. His greatest skill was understanding people. Having worked on both sides of the negotiating table, he knew when to stand firm, when to make a concession and how to help people find common ground. To Jerry, making steel began with helping people work together.

That same patience and generosity extended beyond his responsibilities. He once brought a coworker home and sat with him at the basement table, teaching him the math he needed to succeed at his job. Jerry formed lasting friendships across backgrounds and circumstances, treating people with dignity and valuing their character above all else.

At home Jerry expressed his love through what he did. He moved seamlessly from provider to hands on parenting, doing whatever was needed to care for his children and keep the home fires burning while Gail was working. Later, when Gail’s health required years of care, Jerry was faithfully beside her. As his own health declined, she returned that devotion.

Naturally athletic, Jerry enjoyed baseball, golf and many other sports. As a father he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, often watching quietly or recording the action. His encouragement was steady, allowing his children and grandchildren room to learn while making certain they knew he was there.

Jerry also had a lifelong affection for animals, especially dogs and horses. He thoroughly enjoyed their company and was in tuned with the way animals used behavior to communicate. The years he and Gail spent at Hubbard Lake brought treasured family memories of boating, swimming, bonfires and golf cart rides. His grandsons particularly valued their time with him on the golf course.

Warm, approachable and quietly funny, Jerry never needed to command a room. He listened, took an interest in others and had a calming presence that could comfort even a restless little grandchild. His family knew they could come to him and find patience, acceptance and love. His legacy lives on in the generations who learned from his example.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; his children, LeeAnne (Rob) McKelvey, Holly Heath and Daniel (Natasha) Heath; his grandchildren, Lindsey, Jared (Shannon) and Jordan (Jennifer) McKelvey, and Jessica and Avery Heath; his great-grandchildren, Lydia, Levi, Miller, Sutton, Jordan Jr. “JJ” and Jackson McKelvey; and his brother, Louis (the late Dollie) Heath.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Louis Heath, siblings, Charles (the late Marian) Heath, Peggy (the late John) Skornika and Beverly Couchaine.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Jerry’s life on Friday morning, November 6th, at the Church of the Holy Family, 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi.  Jerry's 10:30 am funeral mass will be preceded by visitation beginning at 10:00 am.

Those who wish to further honor Jerry’s life are invited to contribute in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

May Jerry rest in the peace of eternal life and may those who loved him find comfort in the steady love he leaves within their hearts.

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