Gerard Haslam Obituary

Gerard "Jerry" Michael Haslam, 78, of Delran, NJ, passed away peacefully, after a long illness, surrounded by his family on Oct. 7, 2025, at The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. While his family grieves his loss, they take comfort that he is no longer in pain.

Jerry was born on March 31, 1947, in Philadelphia to Genevieve (Mooney) and Joseph Haslam. He was born the middle of five brothers-Francis, Joseph, William, and Michael-and they were raised in Bridesburg. Jerry graduated from Father Judge High School in 1966, having spent his teenage years delivering groceries.

After taking architecture classes at the Community College of Philadelphia, Jerry answered the calling to serve his country and joined the Air Force Reserves, where he handled artillery during peacetime. He spent a portion of his six years in the service in Colorado before finishing his service at McGuire Air Force Base in Burlington, NJ. Jerry worked in the grocery business for most of his life, including Talk of the Town, ShopRite, Super G, and Stop & Shop. In addition to his full-time work, he also worked part-time delivering newspapers and flowers throughout his career. He retired in 2012, but continued working part-time for Herr Foods Inc. until 2023. He considered many of his favorite coworkers as part of his extended family. He was known for his incredible work ethic and willingness to spend long hours to get the job done. More than anything, he believed good work was a way to love people.

In 1969, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara, his partner of 56 years. Together, they raised their only son, Kevin, and were preparing to officially welcome their new daughter-in-law, Emily, to the family in just a few short weeks. In recent years, they loved spending time with their furry grandbabies, Amaya, Cheeto, and Obi, at Kevin and Emily's home in Shamong, NJ. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his son Kevin (Emily), his brothers Francis and Joseph (Susan), sisters-in-law Eileen and Karen (Pat), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Genevieve and Joseph, brothers William and Michael, sister-in-law Mary, and brother-in-law Jim.

Those who knew Jerry talk first about his heart. He loved without condition, always put everyone else's needs before his own, and is remembered fondly for his quick wit. He enjoyed watching Philly sports, Penn State football, John Wayne movies, and the Marvel Universe. His most cherished moments were time spent cracking jokes with his family.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to The Samaritan Center at Voorhees for cultivating an environment that was peaceful, comfortable, and filled with warmth and love, allowing them one final gathering by his side before his passing, as well as to the ICU staff at Virtua Hospital in Willingboro, who cared for him and his family with great compassion in his final days of need. Additionally, the family would like to thank Father Tom Heron of Holy Saviour Roman Catholic Church in Norristown, Pa., for guiding Jerry's spirit to Heaven, and the many physicians and specialists who advocated for his health over the years.

Jerry's family, friends, and coworkers will celebrate his life privately, and the family looks forward to sharing many memories together. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Samaritan Center at Voorhees (https://www.samaritannj.org/giving/ways-to-give/) and/or Delran EMS (https://delranems.org/donate/).

"To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die." - Thomas Campbell