AUBURN — Gerald W. Mottram, 79, of Auburn, died Monday, April 1, with his loving wife and daughters by his side.

Jerry was born in Lewiston, April 27, 1933, a son of Wallace and Florence (Proctor) Mottram and was educated in Mechanic Falls and Auburn schools, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1952.

It was in high school, where Jerry met the love of his life, Dolores Hanlon. They were married on May 12, 1953, and began on a remarkable journey for nearly 60 years.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Va., and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Keene Teachers College in Keene, N.H., and earned a masters of arts degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Conn.

He and Dolly moved to Burlington, Vt., where Jerry started his career as an industrial arts teacher. In Vermont, Jerry worked in several school systems, where he was instrumental in developing vocational curriculums in the Burlington and the Addison County school systems. He was honored to have guided the Addison County School Districts in planning and constructing their first technical center with trade programs to educate and support their students.

After the center was completed, he served as their director. During their time in Vermont, he and Dolly bought and operated several dairy farms in Shoreham and Bridport, Vt. In 1979, they returned to Auburn, where Jerry served a short time as director of the Oxford Hills Technical School. He and Dolly retired in the mid 1980’s from their traditional careers and turned their full time focus on their projects and interests. They spent their leisure time traveling extensively through the United States, including Alaska, and spent winters in Florida at their Zephyrhills home.

Jerry was a generous man, helping family members with his knowledge of the vocational arts. He was always seen pounding nails on a family member’s building project. He loved being part of family life and cherished attending his grandchildren’s school activities, sports and special events. Jerry was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jerry leaves behind his lovely wife of 60 years, Dolores; three daughters and their husbands, Kathy and Ken Sonagere, Carolyn and Andy Titus and Diana and Bob Bernier, all of Auburn; his siblings, Roger Mottram of Mechanic Falls, Frank Mottram of Mechanic Falls, Ronald Mottram of Manchester, Conn., Gloria (Mottram) Hall of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Bruce Mottram of Turner; he leaves six grandchildren, Matthew Sonagere, Kate Sonagere, Nathan Titus, Joshua Titus, Kelly Bernier and Christie Bernier; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, David Mottram and Dale Mottram; and two nephews, Jeffrey Mottram and Kevin Mottram.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories of Jerry by visiting the family’s online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.