Jerold L. Smalling

Jerold L. “Jerry” Smalling, 76, of Belleville, IL passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday August 16, 2025. Jerry was born on July 23, 1949, in East St. Louis, IL to Lloyd and Jennie (Wrubel) Smalling and his parents precede him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sandy Smalling and his brother-in-law, Patrick Patton.

Jerry graduated from Belleville West High School. His professional life was spent as a general contractor in the Belleville area from 1978 until his retirement in 2018. Jerry was a member of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Belleville for many years.

Family was very important to Jerry, and he cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Jerry loved watersports and taught all his children and grandchildren how to swim. In his later years, Jerry found great interest in assembling and flying RC airplanes and helicopters. Jerry was young at heart and loved all things Disney World, a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Most of all, Jerry will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and dear friend of many. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 52 years, Deborah J. “Debby” Smalling; his children, Heather David and Jeremy Smalling; his grandchildren, Taylor David, Gabrielle (Bryce) Beckmann, Tess David and Andrew David; his siblings, Dennis (Gayle) Smalling, Joanne (Dwain) Knollman, Teasha Smalling-Patton and Tim Smalling, in addition to many nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will hold a private celebration of Jerry’s life at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jerry Smalling may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org or by mail: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.