Peabody, Massachusetts, USA - Jayantilal (“Jerry”) Laxmandas Patel passed away in his sleep after succumbing to complications from Type II diabetes and other ailments. He was 80 years old.

Born in a small village outside of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Jerry was the youngest of five children: brother Chamanlal (deceased) and sisters Jasmodaben (deceased), Kantaben and Naliniben.

Jerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Elfriede Patel; son Eric, daughter-in-law Diana, grandchildren Kendra and Alec; daughter Neela, son-in-law Paul, grandchildren Dante and Luca; and son McLaren, daughter-in-law Olga, grandchildren Maxim and Vitale.

At age 19 Jerry left India with a “plane ticket and suitcase” to start a new life in America. In 1964 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey followed by a Master of Science in Engineering Management in 1969 from Northeastern University in Massachusetts. In between degrees he and Elfriede were married in 1966 and resided in Lynn, MA before moving to Peabody, MA where Elfriede still resides today.

Jerry’s career began and ended in engineering: in the early days working for Curtiss Wright Corp., General Electric and Stone and Webster. In 1973 his desire to be his own boss and pursue working for himself led him to change careers starting with insurance sales for New York Life and eventually to financial planning for individuals and families through his own business, Letap Financial Management Corp. His expertise resulted in all three of his children graduating from the University of Vermont with little-to-no debt. This self-employment, entrepreneurship streak lasted nearly four decades including his final engineering business, Microplasmic Corp.

Some of his passions were cooking and experimenting with new recipes, swimming at the Paul Lydon Aquatic Center with Elfriede and teaching financial literacy to his children. His mantra of ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ has helped his children more times than not with overcoming obstacles and pressing forward.

He generously volunteered his time and his financial expertise with many organizations over the years including the Boy Scouts of America; St. John’s School (Peabody, MA); Our Lady of Nazareth Academy (Wakefield, MA); and St. John’s Preparatory School (Danvers, MA). Being involved with his childrens’ schools and extracurricular activities was one way he served and donated his time and financial support.

Jerry will be remembered for his hospitality towards his friends and family members and his generosity toward his children and grandchildren. They recall with fondness in home get-togethers with school friends, Sunday morning eggs benedict breakfasts, family summer vacations to Germany, all-season camping with the Boy Scouts and rewards for good report cards,special projects and achievements. His home was always open to friends, family, business associates and neighbors where a drink was always offered and good conversation followed.

ARRANGEMENTS: Extended family and friends have been invited to virtually attend the memorial service on November 6 at 11am EDT. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Jerry Patel's memory to Scouts, BSA (Boy Scouts of America) or the University of Vermont.