JEFFERSON — Gerald H. Asch, 55, died Nov. 23, 2012, with his children by his side, after a brief battle with cancer.

Gerald was born in Warner Robins, Ga.,Jan. 5, 1957, and raised by Edward Howard Asch and Martha Marie Asch.

He grew up in Detroit, Mich. At 18, he joined the U.S. Navy and served 14 years, including in the Gulf War. Moving to Maine in 1991, Jerry continued his military service as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves until 2002. He worked at Fisher Plow and Shaw's. He later was employed through the Maine State Prison System as a correctional officer. He worked inside for most of it, but the last eight years he worked at the prison showroom.

He volunteered at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. A 32nd Degree Mason, he was a member of King Solomon Lodge AF & AM No. 61 in Waldoboro.

Jerry enjoyed many things in life, including football, baseball, fishing, guns, and motorcycles. His passion was fixing airplanes. He also enjoyed building models, reading, Fords, cooking, and Boy Scouts. Working in the garage with his son, Josh, was another favorite pastime, as well as going to the movies with his daughter, Heather. Jerry also liked spending time with his grandson, Dakota, especially going out to the pond to catch frogs and turtles.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Heather Willis, her companion Joshua Irving and their two children, Dakota and Jaycee, all of Randolph; his son, Joshua Asch, his companion Erica Wallace and their three children Zebadiah, Angel and Dakota, all of Jefferson; and his ex-wives Melinda Asch of Clifton and Sara Winward of Portland; as well as many nieces; nephews; and friends. He was predeceased by Edward Howard Asch; Martha Marie Asch; and his sister, Judy Asch.

Jerry will be missed by the people who knew him. He touched the heart of everyone he came in contact with.

A memorial service and time to remember Jerry, will be held Dec. 16, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the King Solomon Masonic Lodge in Waldoboro. Military Honors will be rendered.

To share a memory or condolence with Jerry's family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.