Gerald “Jerry” Lunney, PhD was born on May 28, 1935, in Saint Paul, MN to Edward Damien and Edna Marguerite (Pepin) Lunney. He attended Nativity Grade School and Cretin High School (where he served as Rifle Team Captain). He earned his BA (1957) and Master’s of Education (1960) from St. Thomas University and his PhD in Educational Research from the University of Minnesota in 1968.
He married Carol Lunney (d, 2020) in 1966. He is survived by sons Michael (Cyndi, wife, and children Tim and Ray), Peter (aka Tigger, and children Kira and Jake), and daughter Colleen (children Christina, Steffanie (d) and Regina), and his brother Tom Lunney. He was predeceased by his wife, granddaughter, and siblings Edward Lunney and Marguerite Lunney.
Gerald was a public school teacher before becoming a college professor at a variety of universities, including the University of Minnesota, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Florida State University, and CW Post Center of Long Island University. He served as the Director of Institutional Research at Centre College from 1972-1975, the Director of Research for the Council of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities from 1975-1998, and worked in the Office of Educational Accountability for the Kentucky Department of Education 1998-2008. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1953 to 1961 (active duty 1957).
Gerald was dedicated to service to others through his church and other organizations. He was active in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he served as chairman of the parish council; Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 6317, Captain of Assembly 310, and recipient of the St. George Medal; taught religious education; and was a regular reader at Mass.
He was a passionate advocate for Boy Scouting as a long-time Scoutmaster of Troop 119, recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, Vigil Honor member of the Order Of The Arrow, and leader/attendee of 3 National Jamborees. He was honored as a Kentucky Colonel in 1978.
A Memorial Mass will be held at noon, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church. The celebrant will be Father Danny Schwendeman. Visitation will be 5 – 7 pm, Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. To share memories or messages of condolence, please visit www.stithcares.com.