WILMINGTON — Gerald Brunner Faigle Jr. passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was born on August 17, 1936, in New York City to Viola Edithe Hartmann and Gerald Brunner Faigle Sr. He graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, New Jersey. He then attended Syracuse University where he earned degrees in Industrial Engineering and Economics.
Gerry’s proud service to his country began as a cadet in Syracuse University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Commissioned upon graduation, he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he served for three years in the U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Gerry began his 31-year career at DuPont as an engineer in Seaford, Delaware and went on to work at many other DuPont locations, including Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. He was the plant manager of the Richmond, Virginia facility. Over his many years at DuPont, he led numerous safety initiatives that reduced accident rates across manufacturing plants worldwide. He spent the final decade of his career in upper management in Wilmington, Delaware where he initiated and headed DuPont’s Safety Program. After retiring, he continued to share his expertise for an additional decade as a Safety Consultant, working with DuPont clients including New Zealand Steel, Boeing, New York Metropolitan Transit Authority and Vought Aircraft.
Gerry was always devoted to his community, evident in his long-time commitment as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. He found great satisfaction in applying his electrical expertise to the construction of homes. An avid hobbyist, Gerry was a talented woodworker whose handcrafted creations brought joy to his family and friends.
Gerry, along with his beloved wife, Bobbie, was the center of so many family holidays, gatherings, and trips — always bringing everyone together, and creating memories that will endure for generations.. He was a loving, kind, and funny Dad, Poppa, and friend. He truly enjoyed people and made friends wherever he went.
He and Bobbie shared a deep love of travel and cruising, always eager to learn something new as they explored the world. Together they visited all 50 states and more than 90 countries. Gerry also cherished time outdoors—fishing, hunting, and forever trying to bring home “the big one.”
In 2019, he and Bobbie established scholarships at both Syracuse University and the University of Pittsburgh to support graduate student veterans. The scholarships empower military veterans to become the next generation of public and private sector leaders, committed to service beyond self.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Roberta Messic Faigle, his three children, Jennifer (Duane) Musser, Christopher (Rachael) Faigle, and Whitney Faigle; his granddaughters, Dana Musser and Lia Musser, and his step-granddaughter, Claire Worsham. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Faigle Hallenbeck, his sister-in-law Judith Messic Wenberg, his brother-in-law, Paul Quinn, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Cynthia Faigle Quinn, and his brother-in-law, Alfred Hallenbeck.
A viewing will be held on December 13 at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by a service at 10:00 a.m. at Andrews Funeral Home, 1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401. A reception will follow, with details provided at the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilmington, North Carolina or to a charity of your choosing.
