Gerald M. Mineau

Gerald (Jerry) M. Mineau, 75, of Loudonville passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2026, following a brief illness, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend; and all who knew him will remember his steady presence, generous genuine spirit, and Irish wit. Jerry was born on August 31, 1950, in Albany to the late Louis A. and Constance (O’Connor) Mineau. An Albany native son, he attended St. Joseph’s Academy, then graduated from Siena College, where (he liked to say…) he was a reigning tennis star, and traveled extensively with the team.

Jerry enjoyed a career in insurance sales (really, he actually did!), at John Hancock and Amsure Associates. After retiring, he upgraded to his second career as Chief Lawn Officer and then his favorite role of all, being PopPop to his three grand babies.

Jerry’s space was never quiet, he was music-lover through and through; all genres and styles, there were always tunes playing but the old standby was country music, and he’d always have an appropriate song lyric for any occasion.

He was an information junkie; absorbed obscure facts and figures, that he’d pull out of nowhere for a final Jeopardy! answer or to make a joke that probably skyrocketed over most folks’ heads, but he’d be chuckling to himself, unfazed. If you ever needed a “Phone-a-Friend” for a gameshow, it should have been Jerry. He loved Turner Classic Movies and old shows like Gunsmoke, but somehow still kept up with the plots of “Saved By the Bell” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” or in recent years, “Paw Patrol” and “Bluey” for his daughters and grandkids.

Aside from being a very involved Dad and PopPop, his favorite hobby was golf. Jerry played in many leagues over the years, and despite his handicap (pun completely intended) of low vision, he was really quite good, and could whack the white off the ball straight down the fairway! He was often ranked at the top of his leagues…or at least that’s what he told us…for many seasons.

And it wasn’t just golf, this guy was a lover of all sports. On any given Sunday, in any given season, all the TVs in the house would be broadcasting a different game, so he could check all the scores as he putzed around. (As an aside, he was a professional “putzer” - nobody did it better - Olympic-medal worthy, really.) On his final day of life, when he saw his family getting teary-eyed for what was to come, his retort to us was, “there’s no crying in baseball!” So…there’s no crying in baseball.

Jerry’s summers were spent at Babcock Lake in Grafton, NY where he loved being a part of the tight-knit, wild (in a good way!) community there. For nearly 50 years, he and many members of his extended family have been summertime residents of the lake, where at one time Jerry served as President of the Estates Board, and acted as de-facto waste management supervisor for Community Center events. Jerry was so proud to have been part of building that shared life experience for his daughters and grandchildren. We will forever be grateful for the gifts of lifelong friendships, respect for the natural world, and camaraderie of spirit that the Babcock Lake community has given us in return.

We’d often ask him, “How do you explain this place to people?” And his answer was, “You can’t, so don’t waste time trying…” IYKYK.

At home in Loudonville, he served as a board member of the Strathmore-Loudon Community Pool for close to 40 years. From managing the policies and finances, to managing the pH and chlorine this guy literally did it all, as if it were his own! Mowed the lawn, cleaned the storeroom, just because it’s what needed to get done.

He and his wife, Kathy, kept close with a gaggle of friends they’d known since high school. Weekly Saturday night dinners and their annual pilgrimage to their winter happy place, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where for the last few decades they’d all descend on South Florida for block parties, oysters, cocktails, and general merriment, a staple of the way he lived his life!

Last August he celebrated his 50th anniversary with the love of his life, Kathy. Their marriage was a true partnership rooted in love, respect, and unwavering support. Together, they built a family that became his greatest pride—two daughters and three grandchildren who will carry his life lessons and spirit forward every day.

Jerry lived a life many could have only dreamed of, over these last few days, the amount of genuine condolences from far and wide are a true testament to his sincere likability as an overall good guy! They just don't make 'em like that anymore…

We're not here for a long time, but he was here for a good time!

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Kathleen F. Mineau, daughters, Ellen Mineau (Kenneth Wilhelm), Caroline Colwell (Christopher), and the absolute joys of his life, his three grandchildren Olivia, Joseph, and Patrick Colwell.

He was lucky number seven, in a family of ten siblings; brother of Robert Mineau (Rosemary), Constance Jalet, Margaret Mineau, Ted Mineau, Gregory “Pete” Mineau (Nancy) and Paul Mineau (Bridget), brother-in-law Jack Doherty (Dede Flack). In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his sisters Gayl Doherty and Joan Mineau, and brother Louis J. Mineau.

Jerry was the uncle to 17 nieces and nephews, and the great-uncle of 15 great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many dear cousins, and countless friends.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, New York on Monday May 11, 2026 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville, NY. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery 481 Route 9W, Glenmont, NY where he will be laid to rest with his parents and siblings.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jerry may be sent to: Babcock Lake Estates, 33 North Shore Road, Petersburg, NY 12138.