Gerald "Gerry" M . Wyhopen, Sr., "GY" 62, of Aberdeen , formerly of Succasunna and Clifton, passed away peacefully at home after a battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

As a result of the band trip, Gerry discovered his love of flying. He enrolled in pilot training classes at Teterboro School of Aeronautics where he earned his pilot's license at age 17, and with a friend, flew himself to Walt Disney World in 1972.

Gerry attended William Paterson University (WPU) where he met the love of his life, Louise, who became his wife of 39 years. While at WPU Gerry was a founding and charter member of the "William Paterson Skydiving Club & Team". During this time "GY" was also a proud employee of "The Red Chimney", a familiar face manning the pumps at Murphy's Exxon, and a valet at Gene Boyle's. On October 1, 1979 Gerry was sworn in and became a member of the Clifton Police Department where he served proudly until October 2004. During his career Gerry served in a number of positions including High School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Tactical-Narcotics, Community Policing, Youth Service Division Commander and Watch Commander, retiring as a Lieutenant on October 31, 2004.

As a member of PBA Local 36, Gerry served as President 1985 – 1986 and on several committees.

Gerry's love of local history also brought him to serve on the Clifton Historical Commission as a Commissioner from 1982 – 1985.

Gerry had a love of food and cooking and considered himself an amateur grill master and chef and was behind many parties. While on the police department, Gerry and fellow officer Jack Stianche cooked for PBA meetings and ran a much anticipated Christmas Party.

On the home front, Gerry and his wife Louise would throw many a pool or house party filling the neighborhood air with the aroma of good barbeque. The holidays were extra special. Of exceptional interest was the much anticipated Wyhopen Annual Holiday Ornament Party, a festive night filled with plenty fun, friendship and good food. (Sorry: This year's party is cancelled)

Gerry also had an entrepreneurial side to him. From 1985-1997, Gerry and John co-owned and operated Motion Detail Inc., making many area cars, boats and various vehicles shine.

Once retired from the Police Department, Gerry registered and owned, ION U Investigations, LLC, where he provided investigative service to many prominent law firms and clients throughout New Jersey. Gerry was also a member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce until closing his business in November, 2014.

Beloved husband for 39 years of Louise (Pasquino). Devoted father of Gerald M ., Jr. and his wife Roxanne , Geoffrey and his wife Sharon , and Caitlin Wyhopen . Loving grandfather of Trent, Zara, Luke, Jake, and Mason . Dear brother of Carl , and Anthony and his wife Jill . Cherished brother in law of R osemary Pasquino , Catherine Pasquino , and Louis Pasquino , III , and his wife Robin .

Funeral Thursday 8:45 AM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, and 10 AM at St. John Kanty RC Church, Clifton. Interment, East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton. Visiting Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, www.mskcc.org, in memory of Gerry, would be greatly appreciated.