Gerald Stuyvesant

Gerald Karl Stuyvesant, 81, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away after a brief illness on July 12, 2025. 

Jerry was born on January 27, 1944, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Christopher and Tena Stuyvesant, the oldest son of five children. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Shirley Kingman, on August 22, 1964. They were married for more than 50 years until Shirley passed away from ALS on July 10, 2018. During their marriage, Jerry and Shirley had three children, five grandchildren, and one great- grandchild. 

During his lifetime, Jerry worked as a home builder and general contractor before moving into pattern making for tool and die shops. After he and Shirley retired to Cary, North Carolina, Jerry spent his time golfing, playing pickleball, and attending his youngest grandchildren’s various sporting events. Jerry was always quick with a joke and a pickleball paddle, but his greatest joy was being “Grandpa Jerry.” 

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents; sister, Jean Feist; brother, Tom Stuyvesant; and his cherished granddaughter, Courtney Lynn Valenzuela (Christopher). Jerry is survived by his three children, Cindy Stuyvesant (George Paleologos), Greg (Michelle) Stuyvesant, and Todd (Jennifer) Stuyvesant; four grandchildren, Jarod (Angelle) Stuyvesant, Stella Paleologos, Owen Stuyvesant, and Ella Stuyvesant; great-granddaughter, Annaleigh Valenzuela; sister, Judi (Terry) Van Ham; brother, Jim Stuyvesant; and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Friday, August 15, from 4-6 pm and on Saturday from 9-10 am at the funeral home.