Gerald (Jerry) Nenninger, Sr.September 18, 1941 - May 9, 2026Gerald "Jerry" Nenninger Sr. passed away on May 9th, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. Gerald, the eldest son of John and Constance (Russo) Nenninger, was born on September 18, 1941, in Middletown, CT. Gerald attended St. Mary's of Czestochowa School and graduated from Middletown High in 1959. He was a member of the local hotrod racing club, Radical Valvetimers. Gerald married Isabelle Krawczyk and had two children, Gerald Jr. and David Nenninger. He raised his sons in Higganum, CT, and instilled in them and their families a love of nature.Gerald worked in the aerospace and defense field for his lifetime. He began his career at CANEL (Connecticut Aircraft Nuclear Engine Laboratory, which was acquired by Pratt & Whitney). He spent approximately fifty years at Kaman Fuzing & Precision Products (formerly Raymond Engineering), where he worked his way up to Senior Manufacturing Engineer. Gerald was proud to have contributed to the Mariner and Gemini spaceship programs, during which he consulted with the astronauts who performed these missions. During his time at Kaman, he made significant contributions to programs such as the Tomahawk and Harpoon.After retirement, Jerry moved to Long Lake, New York, where he made a home for himself in the Adirondack mountains on the shores of Raquette Lake. Gerald spent his time hunting, fishing, hiking, plowing snow, and building a house. He was a pillar of the community, and his neighbors knew if something was broken, he would gladly fix it. Gerald was a board member of the Long Lake Fish and Game Club and of Saint Henry's Catholic Church. In his free time, he mentored and coached the Long Lake High School shotgun trap team.Gerald leaves behind two children, Gerald (Vivian) Nenninger Jr. of Payson, Arizona, and David (Dana) Nenninger of Haddam; long-time love of 35 years, Valerie Johnson of New Britain; siblings, Gary Nenninger of Cromwell and Debbie Gagnon of Middletown; and grandchildren, Ryan and Leah Nenninger. He was predeceased by his brother, John Scott Nenninger of Cromwell.The wake will take place on Monday, May 18th, 2026, at D'Angelo's Funeral Home, in Middletown, CT, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. On Tuesday, May 19, there will be calling hours at 9:30 am at D'Anglelo's, followed by a Mass in his memory at St. Peter's Church, in Higganum, at 11:00 am.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Henry's Catholic Church, in Long Lake, NY.