Jerry Marley

Jerry J. Marley, 90, of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Born on July 14, 1935, in Onawa, Iowa, to Dominic and Inez (Torticill) Marley. He was raised on their family farm near Blencoe, Iowa, alongside nine siblings and attended the Sherman No. 2 one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Heelan High School in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1953.

Jerry married Margaret Ann “Marge” Connors on June 15, 1957. Having met in high school, they were married 69 years. She survives along with the six children they raised together: Michael Marley of South Bend; Karen (Stein) Marley Sture of Boulder, CO; Sheila Marley of South Bend; Daniel (Ruth) Marley of San Rafael, CA; Mary Marley of Livonia, MI; and Sara Marley (Kevin Bond) of Chicago, IL. Affectionately known as “Bapa” to grandchildren: Kelly Schroeder, Nyssa Bickel, Nicholas (Cora) Anthony, Maria (Brandon) Miller, Brian Sture, Colleen (William) Romanauski, Sara Schroeder, Shannon Schroeder, Megan Anthony and Marguerite Marley; great-grandchildren: Abbie, Aiden, Cole, Carson, Camren, Lola, Levi, Carlee, Michael, Joseph, and one on the way; siblings: Stephen (Audrey) Marley and Nancy Nalty and special friends Julie and Tim Lenahan and their daughters Sarah and Megan as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Edward Marley, Catherine (Paul) Quinlan, Agnes (David) Craford, Pauline (Walter) Lamoureaux, Jean (Bruno) Pannuto, Monica (Joseph) Smith, John Marley and Patrick Nalty.

Jerry graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He earned his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1962 and his PhD in 1969 from Iowa State University. He was a professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Notre Dame for 35 years and served as Associate Dean of the College of Engineering.

After completing Naval ROTC, Jerry was commissioned as an Ensign and completed two years active duty as a SeaBee in the Civil Engineer Corps at Subic Bay, Philippines, (where his first two children were born) followed by 35 years in the Naval Reserves from which he retired as a Captain.

As a strong advocate for teaching and his profession, Jerry mentored the first women to study engineering at Notre Dame and advised the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter. Jerry was an active member of the ASCE, in particular the Professional Activities Committee and the Education Committee, which he was instrumental in helping establish nearly 40 years ago. He was also involved with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Jerry served St. Joseph Parish for over 50 years, befriending and welcoming hundreds into his home and heart. He will be remembered for his generosity, quick wit, boisterous laugh, twinkling Irish eyes, brilliant intellect and, most of all, his integrity.

A visitation will be held on Thursday June 25, 2026 from 4-7 pm at McGann Hay Funeral Home, University Chapel 2313 Edison Road, South Bend, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 26, 2026 at noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church, corner of Hill & LaSalle Sts in South Bend, IN, followed by the burial and committal service with military honors at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. A livestream of the service is available at www.stjoeparish.com. Navigate to the “Happening Now” section.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s name may be made to St. Joseph Church 226 N. Hill St., South Bend, IN 46617 or St. Margaret’s House 117 N. Lafayette, South Bend, IN 46601.

To share memories or leave condolences for the family, please visit www.mcgannhay.com