Gerald "Jerry" Dugan

Jerry didn't just walk through life. He grabbed life by the horns and rode it till the end. He worked hard, and he played even harder. Jerry loved the Jersey shore, whether reading on the beach, running by the water, or bodysurfing in the breaking waves. Jerry loved being with his four boys, coaching their football teams, horseplaying around the house, teaching them to fight for what they believe in, and instilling in them that you're never too old to give your father a kiss on the lips (thanks for that, dad). More than anything, Jerry loved doting on his wife, Cathy, of more than fifty years — writing her love letters, giving her flowers ("just because"), and taking "his bride" out for Saturday dinners, which was always 'dinner and dancing' for her and 'surf 'n' turf and a few cold beers' for him. Family was everything to Jerry. Friends, too. His love never wavered. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. "Keep the faith" was his shorthand for "Semper Fi." Jerry walked an audacious career path, working with Shell Oil Co. before trying his entrepreneurial hand at several small business ventures that took him and his family on adventures around the country. He ultimately settled in Charlotte, NC, where he enjoyed a long career with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department. He retired in 1996, after an unfortunate accident that left him paralyzed. But that didn't lessen his love for life. Jerry was a parishioner at St. Ann's Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active in every way. On Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the age of 74, Jerry left the life he loved to go home. Home to his son Shawn. Home to his mother, father, brothers and sister. Home to where he will now look over us all — showering us with his precious love for life. Jerry is survived by his wife Cathy; his sons: Keith and his wife Dawn, Jerry and his wife Jill, James and his wife Carolyn, and his daughter-in-law Cathy, whose beloved husband Shawn proceeds Jerry in passing. Jerry also leaves seven grandchildren: Elliott, Kate, Carly, Ryan, Patrick, Luke, and Morgan. And his three sisters: Lorraine, Peggy, and Kathleen. And then there are all those who have shown love and support during Jerry's paralysis. There are too many to list, but know the Dugan family is forever grateful. As Jerry would say, "Keep the faith." The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 30, 12:00PM, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.