Obituary of Gordon Lee Jolly
Gordon Jolly, age 100, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at his home in Watchung, New Jersey, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 8, 1925, in Hamilton, Ohio, Gordon attended Hamilton High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1943 at the age of 18. He underwent radio training at the Great Lakes Naval Air Station and was assigned to an LCT 730 (Landing Craft Tank) stationed in the South Pacific and engaged in active combat during World War II.
Gordon also contributed to the pioneering efforts of the first nuclear submarine, the Nautilus, a project that required him to obtain secret military clearance. After rising to the rank of Quartermaster, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he attended Capital Radio School. Upon earning his degree, he joined the Westinghouse TV and Radio division in 1946. During his tenure at Westinghouse, Gordon met the love of his life, Lily Kitrenos. The couple married in September 1956 and enjoyed a blessed 65 years together. They built a home in Watchung, NJ, and both continued their careers with Westinghouse.
Gordon traveled the world, including visits to Argentina, Iran, Japan, Venezuela, Chile, and many other countries, where he helped to establish radio and TV production. After spending more than 30 years with Westinghouse, he joined New Brunswick Scientific as a Production Engineer, where he assisted with the development and testing of pharmaceutical-scale life science incubators, retiring in his early 70s.
Gordon was a devoted father supporting his children’s activities, teaching his daughter how to use a sewing machine, and helping his son build a car engine. He was also active in Boy Scouts and several other community organizations. In retirement, he enjoyed crossword puzzles, fishing, spending time with his beloved grandchildren, and working on his 1951 Jaguar XK 120.
Gordon is survived by his son, Jack Jolly; daughter, Paula Zusi; son-in-law, Kenneth Zusi; grandchildren, Kaelyn and Jake Zusi; and brother, Norman Jolly. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lily, and his sister, Elaine.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield, NJ. He will be laid to eternal rest beside his dear wife, Lily, at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Watchung Rescue Squad, 10 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ 07069, or to the US Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. (www.navymemorial.org).
