Gerald Patrick Hand

Please click on tribute wall above to view Gerald's memorial video. Gerald Patrick Hand was born on April 30, 1941 in Hazel Park, Michigan and died on October 23, 2019 at the age of 78; he was of Riverview. Beloved husband of 55 years to Hope. Cherished father of Carie (Kenneth) McGauley, Beth (David) Wiegand and Patrick (Lorena) Hand. Proud grandpa of Lynette (D.J.) Nowak, Kelly McGauley, Patrick McGauley, Colin McGauley, Lyric Wiegand, Gerald Hand, Mackenzie Hand, Ryan Hand and Sean Hand. Dearest brother of James (Barbara) Hand. Also survived by his nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Patsy and Nora Hand and one sister Patricia Hand. Gerald was the founder of Discount Drinks in Wyandotte. Jerry was born to Patsy and Nora Hand who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in the early 1920s. Everyone who knows Jerry was aware of how proud he was of his Irish roots. He was baptized at St. Mary Magdalen and attended St. Francis de Sales grade school and Catholic Central High School. He met the love of his life, Hope in 1963 and they married October 17, 1964. Before his passing they celebrated 55 years of marriage. Jerry’s passions were first and foremost, his family, followed by a close second, golf and last but not least a good card game. Jerry was known for his incredible work ethic, his generosity and candor. He was a man of few words, but he always chose them carefully. He loved to be surrounded by his family and he frequently bragged about them. Jerry took great pride in the fact that he was able to send all of his children to college. He was equally proud of his grandchildren and regularly went to their sporting events and other activities, even if it meant missing 18 holes. A successful business man, he gave back to the community in many ways. He was always honorable and never chose the path of least resistance. Jerry was known by all to be a hard-working man. At the end, he was guided by his strong faith. Jerry courageously faced the challenges of his disease and remained strong and fearless for his family. During his journey he prayed with his wife and family. He was surrounded by his loved ones when the time came for him to transition into his next life. We are certain he is at the nineteenth hole smiling on his friends and family who he cherished so dearly. A gathering will be on Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 3 – 8 pm at The Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 3200 West Rd., Trenton. There is a Memorial Mass on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 12 noon at St. Vincent Pallotti Parish at St Patrick Church, 135 Superior Blvd., Wyandotte, MI 48192. Memorial contributions to honor Gerald’s life may be made to Angela Hospice or ALS of Michigan.