Jerrold Gordon

Beloved Husband, Son, Brother, Coach, Teacher, and Poppy
On a beautiful Cape Cod (Chamber of Commerce) day, Jerrold “Jerry” Gordon, born May 8, 1960, passed away on October 7, 2025, after battling cancer, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, devotion, and joy. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, teacher, coach, and most proudly, Poppy—a role he cherished above all.
   Jerry graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1983 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Shenandoah University with his Master of Science in Education in 2017. Jerry dedicated his life to education and coaching football, shaping young minds and building strong teams across decades and continents. He taught business education and computer science, as well as coached football, at Sandwich and Nauset High Schools on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and at Woodgrove, Potomac Falls, and Broad Run High Schools in Virginia. As the founding head football coach at Woodgrove High School, Jerry laid the foundation for a program built on grit, heart, and integrity.
While a student at UMass Amherst, Jerry walked on and became a two-time captain and offensive lineman for the fighting Minutemen during his tenure. His 40+ year coaching career spanned collegiate programs at UMass, Northeastern, and Yale. He also served as a football recruiting assistant at Boston College. In retirement, Jerry’s passion for the game took him overseas, where he coached two seasons for the Aquile team in Ferrara, Italy.
Jerry was the author of two football books on defensive strategy: Coaching the Under Front Defense (2015) and Split Field Coverages (2019), sharing his deep knowledge and love for the sport with coaches and players everywhere.
After relocating to the Cape in 1999, Jerry and Carol opened The Nantucket House of Chatham B & B.  As a couple, they welcomed travelers from all over the world.
Jerry found joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing, beach days, relaxing in his hammock, and working around the house. He was famously the fastest ice cream eater ever, with a particular fondness for Short-n-Sweet Ice Cream in Chatham, MA.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Carol; stepdaughter Jennifer Maulfair (Jim) of Round Hill, VA; stepson Erik Oblinger (Jackie) of Marlton, NJ; and his cherished granddaughters Ella Maulfair, Beatrice Maulfair, Macie Oblinger, and Kendall Oblinger. He is also survived by his mother, Carole LaRoche of Medway, MA; brother Steven Gordon (Shirley) of Harvard, MA; sister Joanne Gordon of Portland, OR; nieces Jessica Malsch (Chris) and Sarah Gordon; nephews Michael Dreger and Justin Gordon; stepmother Rita Gordon of Chestnut Hill, MA; step sister Margie Ross Decter (Adam) of Chestnut Hill, MA and step brother Richard Ross (Carolyn) of Wayland, MA, and finally by his loyal dog, Bailey, who was always by his side.
He was predeceased by his father, Richard Gordon.
Jerry’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the teams he built, and the family he loved so deeply. His spirit, humor, and warmth will be missed beyond measure.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and affection from Jerry’s extensive “friend family”. They lifted us up in the most difficult of times.
Jerry wanted you to keep this quote from John Wesley close through your days: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can”…and from his mother, “Be good!”
A celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced, Summer 2026.  Donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.