Obituary of Gerald Thitchener

Gerald P. (Jerry) Thitchener, of Hyde Park, NY, died Sunday, July 24, 2011 at home. Born in Poughkeepsie on December 18, 1951, he was the son of the late Earl P. and Eileen Near Thitchener. Jerry attended Hyde Park Schools. In 1969, he married Lucille Badami at St. Peter's Church in Hyde Park, NY. She survives him at home. Jerry was a carpenter for contractor George Bolde in Pleasant Valley until his retirement in 2005. A lifelong Dutchess County resident, Jerry was a member of St. Peter's Church in Hyde Park. Jerry was a devoted family man, his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He also enjoyed spending time with his garage buddies. Jerry was loved by all who knew him, always had a smile ready and a "Hi" to everyone. He was affectionally known as Mr. T. to all his kid's friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan - loved Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., and going to the tracks. Jerry was a Yankee and Giants fan. When working he was a perfectionist, he loved to see his remodeling jobs come to life, or an addition he added on. He was a craftsman and loved what he did, and it always showed in his work. Jerry put up a fierce battle with his cancer and is a hero to his wife and children. Many thanks to Dr. Michael Maresca, his staff, and especially nurses Carol and Laurie for all their help, care and concern. A huge hug to Hospice nurse Jen. Along with his wife, Jerry is survived by two sons Jerry and wife Kathy Thitchener of Arizona, David and his wife Kathleen Thitchener of Hyde Park, NY, his daughter Antoinette (Toni) of Nevada, his adopted daughter Sandra Rabidou of Delaware and his three brothers, Earl and wife Joan of CT., Conrad and wife Barbara of Poughkeepsie, and Kenny of SC. Also surviving are his three sisters, Connie Empert of Rhinebeck, Kim and husband Michael Robinson of New Hampshire and Vicki Pryor of SC, his sister-in-law Ann Hahn of Virginia and his step-mother Dotty Thitchener of SC. Jerry is survived by six grandchildren, Will (DJ), Steven, Kaitlyn, Jaidyn, Ian and Thomas, in addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerry was predeceased by his parents. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-9:00pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 10:00am at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel. Burial is private and at the convenience of the Family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be bade the Hyde Park Little League, P. O. Box 60, Hyde Park, NY 12538 or Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions or to send online condolences, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com.