Gerald Michael Davis
January 25, 1936 ~ February 12, 2024
Resided in:
Falmouth, Maine
Falmouth- Gerald M. "Jerry" Davis, 88, passed away at sunrise on Monday, February 12, 2024 at his home. He was born in Bangor, on January 25, 1936 son of the late William and Ethel (McInnis) Davis.
Jerry was a graduate of Deering High School class of ‘54, Wilbraham Academy, Bates College class of '59, and University of Southern Maine, where he earned his master's degree in history and education. He was a history major at Bates and the co-captain of the football team, where he was known for his toughness and skill as a center. He went on to play semi-professional football in the early 1960's for the Portland Seahawks, also serving as captain and center.
Jerry was a gifted athlete, but also a passionate historian and teacher at Portland High School for 36 years. He enjoyed poetry, all forms of literature, and had a special way of conveying his love of the wild west. He had his students read Zane Grey novels and draw sketches in class of scenes from the books. He started a first of its kind psychology department at PHS in the 70's, and had students delve into the works of Freud and Jung. Jerry coached football, girls’ soccer, indoor track, cross country, and outdoor track at PHS, Cheverus, and Waynflete. He was particularly proud of how his freshman football team at Cheverus went undefeated in his first year as head coach. His wife Sandra was ever-present as his assistant coach, equipment manager, master statistician, and cheerleader. They both had intense enjoyment of sports, and were longtime leaders of Falmouth Little League as they watched their three children play baseball and softball. Jerry was an intense competitor, but also the first to offer congratulations and a handshake on the field after a game.
Jerry retired from teaching history and psychology at PHS in 1996. He and his wife Sandra, missing the competition and joy of their children's school years, decided Jerry would run for the Maine Legislature. He won his first election to the state house in the fall of 1998, and served four consecutive terms as the Falmouth representative from 1999-2006. After a two-year hiatus, they decided Jerry would run for a State Senate seat. They missed politics and liked winning elections. He won his Senate election and served one term from 2009-2010. Jerry enjoyed campaigning in Falmouth door to door, and as a team, he and his wife were known for their excellent service to their constituents.
Jerry was predeceased by his older brothers, John Davis and James Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Sandra Mary (Van Keuren) Davis; their three children, Brian, Brett and his wife Christina, Katie and her husband Jeff Brown; twelve grandchildren: Cheyanne and her husband Brendan, Nathaniel and his wife Eryn, Gerald, Brett Jr., Benjamin, Stephanie, Ruth, Mason, John, Liberty, Josefina, and Saoirse; and two great- grandchildren, Barrett and Boden; and Jerry’s younger brother Norman.
Relatives, friends and colleagues are invited to attend visiting hours from 4-7pm, Friday, February 23, 2024 at Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Saturday February 24, 2024 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St, Portland, burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
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Deepest condolences to Sandy and the entire Davis family. Jerry was a great man and good friend over many years. I thought so highly of his integrity and decency. I first had him as a teacher-advisor at the great Portland High School in the 80s, sharing our love of history, then as a colleague in the Maine House of Representatives. We continued our friendship later, sharing mutual interests in the history of Falmouth and genealogy. He will be deeply missed and his contributions to the community and state are great. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. 💔
Jerry was my history teacher at Portland high School. The stories he shared in class about being in one of the first peace corps classes where the reason I later decided to join the peace corps. He was a great teacher with strong moral character and someone to admire and look up to.
I was a classmate and teammate at
Deering and Wilbraham Academy with
Jerry a real competitor and a great guy.
Friend and classmate
The Class of 1954 Deering High School sends our deepest condolences to the family of Jerry. Although we do not have many functions now, Jerry was ALWAYS there to help us. Rest in peace Jerry, you have worked hard.
May you rest in peace.
Jerry was a classmate at Deering High and in later years he was a golf buddy with my husband, Bud. We would also see Jerry and Sandra at alumni luncheons. He will be sadly missed and I hope his family will find peace in sharing all the special memories the family has made over the years. Rest in peace, my friend.
my condolences to the Davis family. He was a good friend and contributed a great deal to young people. His contributions to the community and state were unmatched
Bulldog nation has lost one of its Titans. Mr. Davis was always revered for his discipline, intelligence, dignity and leadership. I actually got to know Mr. Davis far better after I moved to Falmouth. Mr. Davis started his political career. With Fasulo, Grimaldi, Floridino and others from Bulldog nation Gerry started with close to 200 votes in any election. After he won I would go to Augusta to lobby and made it a Bates reunion with Gerry and Jeff Butland from Cumberland.
Old school no longer represents those of the Greatest Generation; they were from the Right School. Warmest wishes to the Davis family as they celebrate a life well lived. Joel Rogers “76”.
So sorry Sandra. Good man! We’ll miss him!
I think he was in President Kennedy’s Peace Corps.
Am all around good person!
I had the honor to know Jerry. He was a fine man.
I remember Jerry while I was a student at Portland High School. Thru the years we would work together on the Sea Hawks reunion committee. He was an all around good person. He will be missed.
My condolences to the family. Mr. Davis was my history teacher at Portland High School. The last time I saw him was at our 40th class reunion. I enjoyed chatting with him that evening. He was still the same pleasant, respectful gentleman I remembered. It’s nice to see he had a great variety of interests and enjoyed his life as he did. Such a nice man.
May he Rest in Peace-Mr. Davis was one of the most respectful gentlemen I have ever met. Loved him and his wife on their many trips to Eddies Variety – haven’t seen them in some time and wondered about both of them. Sending prayers.
I had Mr Davis as a teacher at Portland High. I always enjoyed his “class” and his calm demeanor. I remember one time vividly when during class he was taking attendance and a couple of chuckleheads were turned around in their seats talking. After once nicely asking them to turn around and be quiet, they continued…Mr Davis then nonchalantly said something like “Mr. Smith, How would you like me to come over there and rearrange your face…” The class was deadly quiet and quite shocked that the soft spoken Mr Davis had said that! I LOVED IT! I was always impressed by the many books he had read and enjoyed his recommendations. I later had the distinct pleasure of working alongside his lovely wife Sandy at my Alma Mater. Such a steadfast worker, no nonsense and loyal to her colleagues. (You wanted to stay on her good side, and she took good care of you!) Highly respected Family indeed. My sincerest condolences Sandy and Family.
To me, there simply are not enough words to describe the positive energy he emanated all around him wherever he arrived. He has always been the kindest human I have every met accompanied by a consistent smile. He never judged a human by their mistakes or hardships and was always there personally in my life to offer a hand up and make the world a little less dark while interacting with me. I will always adore his personality and very quick whips of humor.
Jerry was a wonderful colleague and dear friend. My first year at Portland High School, I had the good fortune to have my classroom across the hall from Jerry’s. He was always ready to help and always fun to discuss our common concerns and professional goals. A gracious and respected gentleman