Mr. Jerome "Jerry" Francis Gough

Jerome Francis “Jerry” Gough of Ashby Ponds, Ashburn, Virginia, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on August 11, 2026, with his beloved family at his side. He was 78 years old.

Jerry was born November 14, 1947, to Francis and Christine Hula Gough in Caldwell, Kansas. He grew up in Vienna, Virginia, graduating in 1965 from James Madison High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Leslie Swinson, whom he later married. He attended Virginia Tech and was a member of the VTCC and the Highty-Tighties. He led the band senior year as their drum major. He was also a member of German Club. Upon graduation in 1969, he began his study of law at the University of Richmond. In 1972 he received his JD, joined the Virginia Bar, and moved to Northern Virginia with his young family to begin his 30-year career with the Veterans Administration. He retired as a Veterans Law Judge in 2002. Jerry also proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 23 years and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He spent most of his retirement years in Williamsburg, Virginia, enjoying golf (he even achieved a Hole-in-One), traveling with Leslie, and spending time with family. He and Leslie returned to Northern Virginia in 2025, settling in Ashburn, Virginia.

Jerry was a voracious reader with a keen interest in American history. He created a library of over 2,000 books on related topics. He also wrote a book, Mount Up, drawing from his father’s World War II photographs and daily dairies. Academics were important to Jerry, and he and Leslie endowed a scholarship at Virginia Tech for Honors pre-med students. They also took time to travel extensively abroad and stateside. It was obvious to all, however, that Jerry’s greatest pleasure came from his family. He was a caring loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed doting on his family and was loved in return.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Gough Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leslie; daughter Judith Leishear (Scott); son Ryan Conor Gough; grandchildren Aidan Leishear, Greta Leishear, Naveen Gough, Nisha Gough; brother Philip Gough; sister Joann Holley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and interment will be held at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.