Gerard Neal Onos

SOUTH PORTLAND – Gerard Neal Onos, 87, of South Portland, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025.

He was born on Sept. 20, 1937, in Long Beach, Calif., the son of Cornelius and Jacoba Hagoort Onos. He was a graduate of Lynn English High School, in Lynn, Mass.

Jerry met the love of his life, Diane Prescott, when they were kids in a youth program at their church in Lynn, Mass. They started dating in high school and married in 1958. Jerry started out working in his family’s business, Citrus Fruit Juices, of Lynn, Mass., but moved to Bangor in 1968 with Diane and their four kids when he got “the calling” to become a Methodist minister.

He earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Orono and a master’s of Divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary. He was ordained at Colby College – a Deacon in 1972 and an Elder in 1975. He later earned a master’s degree in Sacred Theology in Parish Ministry from the New York Theological Seminary.

In 1974, Jerry accepted the ministry at Elm Street United Methodist Church in South Portland and moved the family here. In 1978, he also became the minister at First United Methodist Church. He served both churches until 1982. When he was assigned to Tuttle Road UMC in 1983, he served there for one year, then left the ministry and pursued a career first in real estate, then in mortgage origination at Key Bank.

After his retirement, Jerry was an active member of the First Congregational Church in South Portland, he enjoyed membership at the Woodford’s Club, played bridge with good friends, and he volunteered at the South Portland Historical Society’s museum, where he enjoyed giving tours to the public on Sundays.

Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Diane; and son, Steven.

He is survived by his son, Michael Onos and LuAnn Overstreet of Conway, S.C., his son, David and wife Laurie of South Portland, his daughter, Kathryn and husband Ed DiPhilippo of South Portland; and many grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be Sat., July 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to

South Portland Historical Society

55 Bug Light Park

South Portland, ME 04106