Gerald Lee Mansuy

On October 4, 2023, Gerald Lee "Jerry" Mansuy, age 81, peacefully concluded his earthly journey in Lakeland, Florida. Jerry was born on September 25, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Edwin and Marie Mansuy. The family moved to Livonia, where Jerry spent his early years attending Our Lady of Sorrows, the Class of 1960. He was a class leader, known for his fast car and gregarious personality.

Following high school, he entered the Navy and attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, serving aboard the destroyer escort USS Courtney during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He forever delighted in recounting the tales of his adventures during his service.

Jerry had an enduring passion for the optical business, which he first entered as a 15-year-old and returned to after his military service. He strategically shaped his early career to learn as much as possible before starting his laboratory, Vision Craft, in 1974. Vision Craft would become one of the most highly respected laboratories in the country by the time Jerry retired in 2013. A proud contrarian with an endless spirit for innovation, he revolutionized the optical industry by fostering numerous technological advances. His achievements were recognized with his induction into the Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2014.

Jerry was a beacon of happiness, an eternal optimist who taught us all the actual value of joy. He cherished every moment and believed life was "all about the experience," enjoying positive experiences and learning from negative ones. He had a joke or witty quip for every occasion, reminding us to find humor even in life's most challenging moments. Jerry was a traveler at heart, passionately embracing new adventures. His many golf and fishing getaways, family vacations, business trips, and optical missions to Peru provided endless fuel for his storytelling.

Jerry’s love for his family was unwavering. He understood the profound importance of family and poured his heart into providing for them. He shouldered the weight of responsibility without complaint, a legacy he carried from his humble beginnings as the eldest of five in a modest household.

His kindness, compassion, generosity, and thirst for knowledge truly defined Jerry. He believed in helping others through his advice and encouragement, inspiring people to be their best - touching countless lives. Jerry lived life "his way," much like the Frank Sinatra song he loved and embodied, with "too few [regrets] to mention."

Jerry’s passing reminds us of the profound impact one life can have. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him. Let us honor his memory by embracing life’s experiences, cherishing our families, and sharing our wisdom and kindness with others.

Jerry is now reunited in eternal life with his younger brother, Jimmy Mansuy, who passed on September 18, survived by his loving wife Diane; his children: Lynette (Brad) Willcock, Eric (Shawna) Mansuy, Jason (Nikki) Mansuy, and Lori (Mike) Hardy; along with his grandchildren: Tyler (Bethany) Willcock, Sydni Willcock, Zoe Willcock, Erin Willcock, Lauren Mansuy, Sara Sherman, Virginia Boughner, Alex Mansuy, and Max Mansuy; and great-granddaughter Elise Willcock. Siblings also survive him: Janice Grimes, Marlene (Jim) Graessle, and Karen (Brian) Richards; his former wife Glennadine; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Cure SMA, a cause of great importance to Jerry, supporting his granddaughter, who is battling the disease. Please send your contribution to curesma.org.

The family plans a Celebration of Life for Jerry in the spring and will notify family and friends when details become available.