Our deepest condolences,it sadden us so to hear of Jerry's passing. We enjoyed seeing Helga and Jerry  on our beautiful beach.

May all the great memories sustain you thru this difficult time. God Bless.

Jim & Millie Skarkas

Helga, Danielle and Lisa, 

Kathleen and I extend our deepest sympathies.  We were so sorry to learn of Gerry's passing.  We remember so many good times together in our younger days and, in particular our ski trips back in the 1970s.  Gerry was so much fun to be with and he had a delightful sense of humor.  We especially remember our trips to Lech, Austria and to Aspen.  When we were in Aspen they were getting ready for World Cup races the following week and every day in the late afternoon  the downhill course was being watered to make it icy and faster.  Gerry was a great skier and a member of the TWA ski team so, as we watched them watering the course, I asked him how he thought he would do on it.  He hesitated a moment and then responded, "It depends on whether they would let stop for hot chocolate halfway down".  I still get a smile on my face whenever I think of Gerry and our times together.  We hope you love for and memories of him will help sustain you through this difficult time.

Clary and Kathleen

I have known and been a friend of Gerry's for about 10 years, as he was a long standing teammate of the Hilton Head Plantation softball team. He also was a frequent golf partner. Gerry enjoyed both sports very much. Gerry had such a great career and had the opportunity to live and travel all over the world. With that experience, he always had great stories to tell to share what he saw during his life. Our car trips to Sun City and the Landings to play softball were fun with Gerry sharing stories. He also was someone who loved cooking and the local restaurant scene. We always discussed new places to try and favorites. A real interesting gentleman for sure.

Thanks for your friendship Gerry...my sympathies to Helga and your entire family. You will be missed and may you Rest in Peace.

Dear Helga, 

With great sorrow did I learn that Gerry lost his battle with cancer. 

My deepest sympathy to you,  Danielle and Lisa. 

I have great memories from the years living next door to you and Gerry in Sparta. 

He was a fabulous cook, and you the most talented baker. Together your meals were epic,  plus you were the most hospitable couple I have ever known and the times we spent together will never be forgotten. 

You were not only our neighbors and TWA colleagues, but also our friends.

Godspeed Gerry!

Dear Helga, Danielle and Lisa,

we remember Gerry as he surprised and pleased Fabian and Alexa as an funny magician when they has been young. We remember Gerry's generous hospitality , his excellent culinary and especially at a lot of beautyful nice days.

We remember us to an honest and always helpful men with a really big heart.

We were so sorry to hear of Gerry's sudden passing. Our deepest sympathies and our prayers are with you all.

In greatful memories

Gertie and Paul, as well as Walter

From Donald Warren Sr. - I first met Gerry 7 decades ago when I started dating my wife to be. She was very close to Gerry’s mother and whenever I was home from college we spent time with the Costa family. Gerry’s dad followed college sports and I appreciated his support of my beloved Tar Heels. As long as I’ve known Gerry his primary goal was to fly planes. I’m sure his father’s association with TWA had much to do with it. Gerry realized that goal when he graduated from a flying academy. His joy was obvious and was repeated when he announced his promotion to pilot. Gerry moved quickly up the ranks and was soon flying international routes. Gerry made the most of his opportunities overseas and easily absorbed native cultures and mores. He was helped by a beautiful German girl he stole from the airline. Helga was the ideal person to share a life with although I remember his mother wondering if an Italian and German merger would work. Helga was the perfect complement and they shared a satisfying life together. Two loving and achieving daughters brought great happiness to them both. Gerry was not only a quick learner but a creative chef and photographer as well. There were many days spent with the Costa’s tasting delicacies and seeing photos from around the world. When Gerry retired we were so happy they settled in Hilton Head because it was so close to us. Over the last few years we visited often especially when the Costa’s had to flee a hurricane. Rest in peace my cousin and friend. You have added much to many. You are loved.

Donald Warren Sr. 

Helga, Danielle and Lisa, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. As you may know my relationship with Gerry goes back almost 60 years when we were pilot trainees at Hortman Aviation on the little grass strip in Morrisville, PA. We even shared a trailer while I instructed and Gerry finished training. As young light plane pilots, we both were hired by TWA in January of 1966. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Gerry was the adventurous one with experiences with the Saudis, and later Japanese and Taiwanese airlines, and after I retired from flying, he continued with corporate Gulfstreams. As with the nature of airline friendships, there is often much time apart but when you meet again, you start right up as if there had been no gap. I was saddened by the move to South Carolina. I truly miss that we won't have the chance to "start right up again".

Pat

Helga, both Jacky and I truly miss those wonderful Fourth of July parties overlooking the Sparta fireworks from your "log cabin" on the hilltop. The parties showed the wonderful diversity of friends that Gerry always gathered wherever he went. We hope you will stay in touch and if you return or visit North Jersey, please let us know.

From our first meeting at the Costa family home in Chofu, Japan nearly 30 years ago for Thanksgiving dinner-I always considered Gerry a valued friend. Kamakura; Sparta; Hilton Head and regular phone conversations followed that kept me in the loop about family travel & his local exploits. A loving husband; father and grandfather- he was an extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments .

Indeed a principled man and never pretentious-he will be greatly missed-but never forgotten.

Don Brown

Helga I am so sorry to hear that Gerry died. We spent so much time together at both TWA and ANA.  I fell like a piece of my life is gone because it is. 

Gerry, Fly high into God’s loving arms

So sorry for your loss,, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Xo

Dear Helga Daniel , Lisa and family

Tony and I were so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing.  Our deepest sympathies and our prayers are with you all 💕