Gerald Edward Denesha, aged 86, peacefully departed this world on January 19th, 2024, in Polk City, Florida, after valiantly facing a 9-year battle with Cancer. Born on August 20th, 1937, in Ticonderoga, NY, Gerald was the cherished son of Charles and Marietta (Clodgo) Denesha.
On February 21st, 1959, at the Fairbanks, Alaska Town Hall, Gerald joined his life with Alice Mishakoff in matrimony, and together, they celebrated a remarkable 67 years of marriage. Gerald is survived by his four loving children: Marietta D Flanagan, Cheryl A Wilga, Michele L Bryan, and Daniel E Denesha. Additionally, he leaves behind a legacy of eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by Charles Denesha and Marietta Clodgo Denesha, brother, Robert Denesha and sister, Shirley Beaupre. Gerald’s life journey was marked by various chapters across the United States, including Ticonderoga, NY, Ludlow MA, Fairbanks AK, Presque Isle ME, Cape Cod MA, Marysville CA, Cotton Hill MD, Mililani HI, Cheyenne WY, Cape Cod MA and ultimately, Polk City FL.
A dedicated professional, Gerald served the U.S.A.F for 23 years including 1 year in Vietnam. Gerald received two Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medals, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Bronze Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Longevity Award with 4 Bronze Leaf Clusters. He also contributed his skills to SAAB, Regal Pontiac, Automotive Warehouse of Lakeland, and Zephyrhills Performance. Beyond his career, Gerald found joy in building hot rods, engaging in racing, and expressing himself through music and dance. His abiding Catholic
Faith was a source of comfort and guidance throughout his life.
Gerald’s proudest achievements were undoubtedly his enduring 67-year marriage to his beloved wife Alice, his four children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and the cherished companionship of his many dogs. A man of unparalleled kindness and love, Gerald’s legacy extends beyond familial bonds.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Cornerstone Hospice Care, particularly Jason, Mary, Steve, and Benita. Special thanks are also extended to lifelong friends Don and Barb Gilliam and Steve and Ruth Williams for their unwavering support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Hospice of Lakeland, a gesture that will be deeply appreciated as a lasting tribute to Gerald’s memory.
Full military honors will be rendered at his service on February 5th, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
It is with heartfelt sympathy that I say, I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great friend to all. Bob and i just loved to go to Polk City, to party with everyone. Very fond and laughable memories come back to me. Jerry and Bob are probably up there telling jokes and dancing. Love you all.🙏🙏
I’ll always remember Jerry as great father-in-law and friend. We had more crazy times together that I can’t even count. From trips with Marie and Alice we four covered some ground in Florida. One of the funniest times is when we wore racing helmets all the way to one of our favorite spots at Fort Desoto Beach. Then we would head over to the pier at Scullys and have a good seafood meal and listen to the regular weekly guy play all our favorites. Every weekend we were either on a road trip or messing with cars. I’ll miss you and always think of you and our great times.
From my family to yours sorry for your loss and hope everyone keeps each other tight and loves more and stronger. I remember the first time I met Gerald, Twins Grandpa he aloud us to go to old town with them as he displayed this purple mustang and I was like man this is the best car I ever seen people was walking by and I said in my head yeah this is over here acting like I had a part in it Gearld was just smiling drinking a beer. I was thinking coolest dude ever little things stay with me and that’s one thing I will never forget being treated like family from the moment I met him or anyone in the family.
The DENESHA Family
I was sad to read of the passing of my old friend Jerry. We first met at Otis AFB in 1968. It was my first USAF assignment with my new wife Donna. I was just 19 and we were expecting our first child Michele. Jerry became my supervisor in the assignments branch of the base personnel department. He and Alice quickly became our best friends who took us under their wing. We had many fun days and evenings at their house in on-base housing where they shared meals with us and taught us how to be an USAF family. Their friendship meant so much to us as we were 1,000 miles from home with a new baby for the first time. Jerry and I shared a love for baseball and Alice taught Donna how to be an USAF wife. When Jerry was assigned to Wash DC he arranged for me to follow. Jerry and Alice helped us find an apartment in their complex and we picked where we left off at Otis. My second child Angie was born the same week as Danny while we were in DC. Jerry found us a used car near Otis and always made sure it was running well and taught me how as well. I visited them in Hawaii in 1973 while I was tidy from Taiwan and we attended a Johnny Cash concert. He loaned me a car while I was there. Again he was taking care of me. I stayed in the USAF and made CMSGT and owed Jerry for his years of wisdom and guidance in my development. I’m so glad I was able to visit Jerry and his family in Florida in 2018 while he was recuperating. I’ll never forget my old friend as well as Alice for their kindness, guidance and love. RIP my friend. God bless you Alice.