Gerald "Jerry" R. Goral

Gerald “Jerry” Goral, age 89 passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Jerry was born March 22, 1933, in Rockford, the son of Stanley & Rosella Goral.

Jerry was a 1951 graduate of West High School and joined the Navy in 1953. Soon after, he married Margaret Lonergan in 1955 and “Jerry & Peg” started their new family and their love story would last 67 years.

In 1962, Jerry joined Doyle & Clark Realtors where he started on a 50 year journey in real estate and was recognized as a Realtor Emeritus by the National Association of Realtors. He was a Past President of the Rockford Board and recognized as Realtor of the Year. He was so, so proud of living in Rockford and helping many generations of families find their new homes. For close to 40 years, Jerry was a sales manager for Gambino Realtors.

Jerry was a lifelong supporter of Holy Family Church, the Elks Club, the Ethnic Heritage Museum, and The Irish Marching Society. Jerry was one of the most recognized faces every St Patrick’s Day when he was the O’Goral Leprechaun leading the annual parade. Each year, he would hand out hundreds of green carnations to local nursing homes, hospitals, and schools in celebration of his Irish heritage.

Jerry lived a remarkable life in every way. He was a dedicated professional, a tireless volunteer and generous to a fault.

He was grateful for the love and support of his wife Peg and the life they had together. What delighted him was his family and he will be missed by those who loved him most, his beloved wife, Peg; children, John Goral (Kathy), David Goral (Mari Louise), and Mary Anne Goral (deceased) along with his many loving grandchildren, Joseph (Annie), Peter (Heather), Libby Leatherby (Mitch), Patrick (Brianna), Sean, and Grace Soltys (Brent), and eight great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jerry was predeceased in death by his brother, George Goral.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial at St. Mary / St. James Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.