Gerard J. "Jerry" Nallin, 78, a lifelong resident of East Scranton, died Friday evening upon arrival at Mercy Hospital after being stricken ill at home. His wife, the former Margaret A. "Mardell" Simrell, died Feb. 12, 1992.

    Born in Scranton, son of the late John J. and Kathryn Cummings Nallin, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and a graduate of Scranton Technical High School. Prior to retirement he was self-employed, working with his wife for many years in a door-to-door house furnishings business, which was started by his father in the 1920s.

    He will be remembered by his customers, friends and family as a simple, gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. In his later years, he looked forward to arranging seasonal dinners at Russell's Restaurant with many lifelong friends near and far. He was generous to strangers and friends; may his goodness live on in those whom he touched.

    Surviving are three daughters, Kathleen Sallavanti, Scranton; Mari Thomas and husband Marty, Scranton, and Nancy Nallin, Sarasota, Fla.; two brothers, Dr. Eugene Nallin, Scranton, and John Nallin, Clarks Summit; two grandsons, Martin and Matthew Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.

    The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Ave., with Mass at 10 in Immaculate Conception Church, 800 Taylor Ave. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Covington Township.

    Friends may call today, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, or online at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org