1940 – 2015

BOSTON, Mass. — Gerald “Jerry” C. Clements, 74, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., from complications related to treatment for leukemia with his family and best friend at his side.

Jerry was born Dec. 2, 1940, in Lewiston. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Polly; his three children, Kurt, Maria and Matt; and seven grandchildren, Lydia, Grace, Haley, Nate, Grady, Olive and Sophie.

He was predeceased by his parents, Linwood and Isabel Clements, of Auburn.

Jerry graduated from Edward Little High School in 1959 and Pennsylvania Military College in 1963. After serving in the U.S. Army as an officer for two years, he returned to Maine and began working in the family business, Sam’s Italian Sandwich Shoppe, which he purchased from his uncle. Jerry and his partner, Phil Libby, grew the business to nine stores and 180 employees, until they retired and sold the business in 2002.

Jerry was a devoted husband to his loving wife. The two were inseparable and spent many happy years at their home on Brandy Pond in Naples, where they enjoyed their many flower gardens and visiting with family and friends. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and participated in a golf league at Naples Country Club. Jerry took particular pride in being a grandfather and loved spending time with and taking pictures of his grandchildren. In recent years, Jerry and Polly wintered in Florida where they spent their days at the beach or on the golf course. Jerry is also survived by an estranged son, Steve.

Online condolences and photo gallery at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.