Gerald B. Pidcock World War II Veteran, Teacher and Friend Gerald Berchall Pidcock, 88, of Medford Leas, Medford NJ died on January 25, 2007. Mr. Pidcock was born in Trenton, NJ, a son of Frank Raymond and Esther Lippincott Potts Pidcock. His wife of 55 years, Emma Louise Fouse Pidcock, predeceased him. Jerry joined the Navy in July 1936 - so young he needed his father?s written permission. Between 1937 and his retirement in 1956 he advanced to hospital corpsman chief, certified operating room assistant and medical research assistant. He served in the Pacific theater during WWII. His ship, the USS Sumner, a geographic survey vessel, is credited with downing the first bomber at Pearl Harbor. A survivor of the attack, it transported marines before returning to its mapping duties at Bora Bora. Jerry?s naval career extended from the early days of flight when he participated in the search for Amelia Earhardt to the space age, when he volunteered in human centrifuge experiments at the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory in Johnsville, PA. After his retirement, Jerry earned advanced degrees in education from Rider and Trenton State College. He taught business courses at Rancocas Valley Regional High School as computers were introduced into the common office environment. Raised along the Delaware, Jerry was an avid swimmer, sailor and canoeist. A member of the Mohawk Canoe Club since 1930, he logged far more miles than most and took his last trip with them in 2006, paddling his own canoe. Jerry taught water safety for the Red Cross for many years. Jerry and Louise resided in Jobstown, NJ for 27 years before moving to Medford Leas, Medford NJ in 1990. Jerry served as secretary to the Medford Leas Residents Association and founded their Bowling League. He was a charter member of the Perkins Golf League. He is best remembered as an important member of the Medford Leas Woodworking shop whose cheerful disposition and resourceful ideas resulted in a wide network of friends. Jerry Pidcock was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Mt. Holly Elks, Mt. Holly Lions, The Retired Officers Association, the National Education Association and Trinity Presbyterian Church, Mt. Holly. He is survived by nephews Clark & Anne Pidcock of Columbus, NJ, Frank & Anne Pidcock of Baltimore, MD, Sherwood & Candace Pidcock of Seattle WA, niece Catharine & Richard Thomas of Warren, NJ, 7 grand nephews & nieces, 6 great grand nieces & nephew and a host of extended family who knew him fondly as Uncle Jerry. He is buried in Upper Springfield Cemetery in Springfield Township, Burlington County, NJ. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Medford Leas, Medford, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the homeless through The Salvation Army, a religious and charitable organization with principal offices at 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994 http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf