Gerald "Jerry" Bruce (Smith) Bretton passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a life rich with hard work, adventure, generosity, music, laughter, and unforgettable stories.

Jerry was born in 1940 in Derry, New Hampshire—quite literally "born in a barn," as he loved to say in his distinctive Haverhill accent. After the family farmhouse burned down, he was born in the family barn, a story he delighted in telling throughout his life. He was the son of Alberta Donlon and George Seddon Smith, who met as next-door neighbors in Hamilton, Massachusetts. The family later lived in Lawrence before settling in Haverhill, where Jerry was raised and educated. He attended Saint James Grammar School and graduated with the Haverhill Trade School Class of 1958.

From an early age, Jerry understood the value of hard work. By age 10, he had a paper route serving more than 150 customers, navigating what he fondly called "big hills but good tips." He proudly gave much of his earnings to his mother to help support the family. He often said those years made him strong and prepared him for whatever life would bring.

At 17, Jerry completed eight weeks of combat training with the National Guard at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He liked to joke that years of climbing those Haverhill hills delivering newspapers had made him fit enough to lead his company's training runs.

Jerry trained through the trade school program at Haverhill High School and later with Western Electric, becoming a highly skilled tool and die maker. Throughout his career, he worked for several machine shops, including Raytheon, always eager to learn and master his craft. He earned a reputation for exceptional workmanship, intelligence, and relentless curiosity. Among his proudest accomplishments were the precision metal components he helped manufacture for the aerospace industry, contributing to parts that ultimately made their way into space.

Long before "DIY" became a popular phrase, Jerry embodied the spirit of doing it yourself. Whether repairing his own cars, fixing nearly anything around the house, or building something from scratch, he believed in doing the job right while keeping costs down. He eventually fulfilled his dream of owning his own business, ADR Machine Company, proudly named after his three daughters. Although he enjoyed being his own boss, Jerry's generous nature often outweighed his business instincts. Helping others always mattered more to him than making a profit.

In his later years, Jerry became a familiar face in the flea market and auction community, where he found both joy and purpose. Rain or shine, he loved bartering, meeting people, and recognizing the hidden value in tools, machinery, and overlooked treasures. He delighted in buying from one vendor only to sell the same item later in the day, enjoying people's reactions as much as making the deal. Just as often, he gave things away simply because someone needed them. For many years, he also sold vinyl siding and coverings, helping one of his daughters pay her college rent. Flea markets became far more than a hobby—they perfectly reflected his humor, resourcefulness, generosity, and gift for connecting with people.

Jerry also loved gardening, fishing, boating, and taking the scenic back roads wherever they led. He maintained a large vegetable garden using skills learned from his stepfather, Alcide Bretton, and found lasting peace working with his hands and spending time outdoors.

Family was everything to Jerry. After receiving an inheritance from his father, he purchased a cottage on Half Moon Lake in Barnstead, New Hampshire, creating a gathering place where generations of family would swim, fish, boat, laugh, and make lifelong memories together.

Jerry was an adventurer at heart. One unforgettable family vacation involved loading all seven family members—including one-year-old Jason—into the family pickup truck for a road trip to Disney World, with cushions spread over suitcases in the covered truck bed. Thanks to free Disney tickets from Uncle Rob Desmarais and a stay with Aunt Carol and her family, the trip became one of those legendary family stories that is still told today. Another memorable road trip took the family to Rochester, New York, with a stop at Niagara Falls to visit relatives along the way.

There were also the wilder adventures, including taking a rowboat into the ocean and getting caught in a storm. Through quick thinking and determination, Jerry safely brought everyone home. Through every adventure came one of his memorable sayings: "Up in the mountains, down in the valleys," "Pull up your pant legs, here it comes," "Up the lazy river," "Maginty!," and "A swagman in a billabong," along with his unmistakable blunt humor. These expressions became part of the family's language and remain part of his lasting legacy.

Jerry loved music and dancing, especially the lively songs of the 1950s. He could dance with rhythm and charm alongside just about any willing partner. An avid roller skater, he made sure each of his children learned to skate at the Roll-A-Round. His cheerful whistling filled the house, and he often broke into song whenever the moment seemed right.

He also loved basketball and spent countless hours playing with his sons, determined to keep up until the day they finally managed to beat him.

His hiring practices became family legend. At one point he employed Ted, Ed, and Fred all at the same time, a fact that amused him endlessly. His adventures with the Hastings family, affectionately known as "The Pygmies," produced stories that were epic, hilarious, and occasionally scandalous.

Later in life, Jerry made the remarkable discovery of his birth father, George Seddon Smith. George had served in the Seabees during World War II, helping build a 6,000-foot runway in the New Hebrides before settling in Sydney, Australia. What began as letters grew into a meaningful relationship shared not only by George and Jerry but also by Jerry's children. George visited the family in the United States during the 1970s, and the two developed a close bond. Jerry later traveled to Australia twice, experiences he treasured deeply. He returned with unforgettable stories, a lasting appreciation for Australia and its people, and the joy of discovering additional family there, including a half-brother.

He consistently taught his children to judge people by their character rather than their sex, age, race, or social standing. Jerry believed deeply in fairness—sometimes to a fault and often at his own expense. That quiet integrity became one of the greatest gifts he passed on to his children.

Jerry was predeceased by his siblings George "Fred" "Sonny" Bretton, formerly of Florida; Denny Bretton; and Linda Bretton McCormack of Haverhill, Massachusetts. He is survived by his sister, Carole Raymond of Jacksonville, Florida, and his brother, Steven Bretton of Derry, New Hampshire.

He leaves behind his beloved children: Audra Nolin and her husband, John; Deb Robinson and her husband, Chris; Renee Smith-Paradis and her husband, David; Gerald "Jerry" Bretton and his wife, Vera; and Jason Bretton and his wife, Katie, of Plaistow, New Hampshire. He also leaves nine cherished grandchildren—Madelyn, Yvonne, Cecily, Marc, Sam, Seth, McKenna, Cade, and Evan—two great-grandchildren, many extended family members, and countless dear friends.

Jerry will be deeply missed and fondly remembered to his many family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral home 116 Main St. Plaistow, NH. His funeral starts at 9am in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. A funeral mass will follow at 10am at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Plaistow. Burial in Holy Angels cemetery Plaistow.