Gerard Francis Scannell Sr.

Gerard Francis Scannell Sr.

November 6, 1934 – April 4, 2026

Gerard “Jerry” Scannell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 91.

Jerry shared nearly 70 years of marriage with the love of his life and soulmate, the late Joanne Sullivan Scannell—a true generational romance that inspired all who knew them.

Together, Jerry and Joanne raised five children—Deb, Jeb, Kevin, Tim, and Patty—and built a close-knit and devoted family. Jerry was a loving and proud grandfather to fifteen grandchildren: Sarah, Andrew, Hannah, Gerry, Kyle, Michelle, Ryan, Alex, Taylor, Jack, Kev, Kelly, Danny, Nicholas, and Matthew. He warmly welcomed his children’s spouses—Marc, Tricia, Mary, Julie, and Scott—as well as his grandchildren’s spouses: Andrew, Megan, Amanda, and Kellee. Affectionately known as “Rocco,” Jerry also adored his six great-grandchildren: Landry, Saylor, Josie, Beau, Solomon, and Oliver. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with countless dear friends.

Born in Boston, Jerry graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1955. After a brief time in the Merchant Marines, transporting goods between South America and the United States, he was drafted into military service and chose to activate his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Mine Sweeping Officer and later as an Explosive and Nuclear Weapons Disposal Officer.

Following his naval service, Jerry began what would become an extraordinary career in safety and health. He started as a Safety Engineer and Elevator Inspector at Aetna Casualty Company. With a growing family, he moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania, to join the Thiokol Corporation, and later continued his work at Rohm and Haas Chemical Company in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

In 1970, with the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Jerry entered federal service. He served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, Director of the Office of Standards, and later Director of the Office of Federal Agency Safety and Health Programs. In these roles, he was at the forefront of developing and implementing critical federal workplace safety standards.

In 1979, Jerry transitioned to the corporate sector, joining Johnson & Johnson and became Director of Corporate Safety and Environmental Affairs with worldwide responsibility. A decade later, he was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to serve as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, where he helped shape modern occupational safety policy. After his time in government, he served as President and CEO of the National Safety Council. In 1994 he was inducted into The Safety and Health Hall of Fame International, celebrating his life long service to Safety and Health.

Among the many organizations Jerry contributed to, one of his most cherished roles was serving as both Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

After an accomplished career spanning more than four decades, Jerry retired to Venice, Florida, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There, he cherished time with family and friends and enjoyed his favorite pastimes—boating, fishing, and golfing. In recent years, he deepened his Catholic faith and devoted time to volunteer service.  Jerry was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and was recently advanced to the 4th Degree (Patriotic Degree).

As one friend beautifully expressed, Jerry was a “Hall of Fame husband, father, friend, and public servant.” He was a man who lit up every room he entered and left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His warmth, kindness, quick smile, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida, on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Epiphany Cathedral on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (in the Parish Hall due to construction). Burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which supports military and veteran caregivers and their families.