Gerald Antone (Jerry) Maciel died at home on August 21 with his wife and stepson by his side. He was 85.

Known to his friends and school bus kids as Kabookie, Jerry was born on July 20, 1934, in Oak Bluffs, the only child of Antone F Maciel Jr. and Medora Barrriault Maciel.

He graduated from the Tisbury School. He had many jobs during his life, but the one he loved most was school bus driver. He loved the kids and they loved him. He was a janitor at the high school, prepared fields for the football season, worked the games, took teams off-Island for games, and students off-Island for field trips.

Jerry retired from the high school in June 1998, and drove buses for the VTA for 12 years. At the age of 75, Alzheimer’s disease ended his bus driving career, making his last stop home to be taken care of by his wife Alma and stepson Randy.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Alma Bettencourt; and four children: Michael Maciel of Falmouth, Donnie Maciel of Edgartown, Rena Maciel Ludgow, and Randy Maciel of Florida; five stepchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Interment will take place in the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown.

Donations can be made to the Visiting Nurse Service of Martha’s Vineyard in Jerry’s name, or to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home.