Remember

Gerald F. McDonnell

  • June 20, 1936 - September 21, 2011
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
Share This Obituary

Build A Family Tree

Gerald McDonnell

Build Gerald's Family Tree on Ancestry.com

powered by


Memories & Candles

“Carolyn and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Jerry, I knew him since I was 18 and what a Great Person, did so much for so many, had a great sense...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: Ciecie Oliver Knowlton - CARMEL, IN

“We were out of town and I just happened to see the article in the back of the Beacon today. I am so sorry for your loss and regret not meeting Jerry...Read More » ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: beverly flaschentrager - VA

“My deepest condolences. It was a privilege to take care of Mr. McDonnell. ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: Christine Chung, MD - Baltimore, MD

“My Dear Carolyn, Tyler, Brennan, and Chase, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Uncle Jerry was not only a kind and great uncle...Read More » ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Jan Fitzgerald - Arnold, MO

“Dearest Family of Jerry McDonnell, I join with so many others who knew Jerry in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing. I met Jerry at the...Read More » ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: Dav Moore - Los Angeles, CA

“I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Mary Jo Anthony - FL

“Jerry was a man of Integrity. He carried a spirit of joy and enthusiasm that surrounded him. Jerry will be greatly missed by the lives he touched. I...Read More » ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: Mark Daniels - Savannah, GA

“My heart and prayers go out to the family in this time of loss, I personally never met Jerry but have been proud to work for him and such GREAT...Read More » ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Charles Chapman - Cordova, TN

“Our Hearts and Prayers go out to everyone at MPG Inc. and the family. Fom Rocky Mtn. Produce Group. ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: J. Shawn Barris - Windsor, CO

“Jerry, a brilliant man who will be greatly missed by all of his friends at MDV. His inventions and legacy will impact the food industry for many...Read More » ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: Sharon Fleener - Chesapeake, VA

“Jerry's spirit for life and family are inspiring, and I will remain proud to exemplify his passion for produce and serving the military families with...Read More » ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: Amy Ackerman - Norfolk, VA

“Jerry was an amazing man. He had a passion for change through well thought ideals, good deeds, and philanthropy in the world in which he lived. I...Read More » ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: Susan Perry - Virginia Beach, VA

“Jerry was a wonderful man, always full of joy for life and creating a better community and leaving the world a better place. I admired his diverse...Read More » ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: Robert S Neyland - Annapolis, MD


Gerald "Jerry" F. McDonnell, 75, passed away on September 21, 2011, following a lengthy illness. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 20, 1936, he was the son of the late Edward McDonnell and Gertrude Eason. He graduated from the University of Southern California, Santa Barbara after having earned a basketball scholarship. He served in the United States Army, worked for Standard Brands and then went into business on his own. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Carolyn; and his three sons, Tyler, Brennan and Chase. Besides his parents he is survived by sisters, Marilyn, Gertrude and Charlotte; brothers, Joseph and Thomas; and longtime friend, Cason Barco; and a host of friends. Beginning in 1960 Jerry developed and created new products for the produce industry including the Catalytic Generators that produce ethylene gas to safely trigger the ripening of bananas, tomatoes, avocados, citric, honeydews, and other climacteric fruit. He developed many contacts with growers and buyers throughout the produce industry at this time. Jerry was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Military Produce Group LLC in Norfolk, VA. He was president of Hampton Roads Produce Co. in Norfolk. He was the President of Mid-South Produce Co., Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama, President of Sea Island Produce Co., Inc. in Savannah, Georgia and President of Norfolk Banana and Produce Co., Inc. in Norfolk, Virginia, serving the military since 1970. Numbered among Jerry's many philanthropic and charitable pursuits were; The Children's Hospital of King's Daughters, St. Jude's, The Strelitz Diabetes Center, Physicians for Peace, Operation Smile, Grommet Island Park, Horizon Hampton Roads, Junior Achievement, Nexus Program, I Need a Lighthouse, and most recently the Seal Memorial Service. A private funeral was held on Saturday, September, 24, 2011. The burial followed at Princess Anne Memorial Park with Fr. Jim Parke officiating. A memorial gathering will take place at the Cellars, 4001 Church Point Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455 on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. We sincerely apologize, that due to an oversight, this obituary did not appear prior to the private service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to any of the charities listed above. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.