Gerald "Jerry" Michael Cornwell

Gerald “Jerry” Michael Cornwell of Bedford, NH passed away unexpectedly on January 22, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on December 29, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey, to Elmer Cornwell and Lois (Kahl) Cornwell. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dennis Cornwell. Jerry grew up in Newark before moving to Massachusetts and eventually settling in New Hampshire.

Jerry graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in 1967, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Microwave Engineering. Over the course of a career that spanned over 55 years in the technology and defense industries, Jerry held various roles, including Vice President of Engineering and Staff Technologist at M/A-COM. He later served as Technology Director at Cobham Defense Electronic Systems and as Business Development Manager at Hittite Microwave before retiring from Analog Devices in 2019.

Jerry had a deep love for traveling with his wife Ann, enjoying both exploring new places and returning to familiar ones, with Maui being one of his most beloved spots. He had a sharp mind and a competitive streak, finding joy in mentally stimulating games like backgammon, Scrabble, and crossword puzzles. He was also an avid reader and a skilled scuba diver, always drawn to activities that challenged him in different ways. With a great sense of humor, Jerry was always able to see the lighter side of things and had an easygoing approach to life.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Ann Palys, and his children: Gerald Cornwell of Nashua, NH; Marcie MacFarlane of Lowell, MA; and Daniel Cornwell and his wife, Jessica, of Lake Mary, FL. He was also stepfather to Karen Barry and her husband, Jim, of Boscawen, NH, and Kathy Palys of Bedford, NH. Jerry was grandfather to Kyle, Tyler, Rachael, Samuel, and Natalie, and great-grandfather to River and Ryland. He is also survived by his sister, Lois, and her husband, Dennis, of Naples, FL; his brother, Mark, and his wife, Alisa, of Keyport, NJ; as well as several nieces and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Durning, Bykowski, & Young Funeral Home, 285 Manchester St, Manchester, NH, followed by a service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.