Gerald J. “Jerry” Gmerek, 81, of Elyria, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, October 18, 2012 at EMH Healthcare in Elyria. He was born May 7, 1931 in Morann, Pennsylvania and moved to Elyria from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania in 1962.
Jerry served with the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1955, stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the FAA in Oberlin as a Computer Systems Supervisor, following 31 years of service. Jerry and wife Libby retired to Bradenton, Florida in 1999.
He was a member of St. Jude Church, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly 811, and Past Grand Knight of Elyria Knights of Columbus Council 774. He was also a member of Elyria United Polish Club, V.F.W. Post 1079, American Legion Post 0012, Bradenton Moose Lodge 1223, and a Golf Lakes Estates resident.
Jerry was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle who enjoyed travel, computers, boating, golf and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his daughters, Theresa Wolf (Brian) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Kathleen Arth (Charles) of South Euclid, Barbara of Old Hickory, Tennessee, Sandra of Grafton; son, Michael (Virgie) of Westerville, Ohio; step daughters, Deborah Hemlinger and Denise Waghorn, both of Savannah, Georgia, Jamie Natal of Elyria; step sons, David Johnston of Elyria and Walter Johnston (Annette) of New London, Ohio; additional survivors include grandchildren, Miranda, Brittany and Jacob Gmerek, Brian Jr. and Rebekah Wolf, Erin, Emily and Joseph Arth; sisters, Genevieve Gallagher of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania and Gertrude Abernethy of Morann, Pennsylvania; and numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Gmerek; his parents, Frank J. and Sophie (nee Osinski) Gmerek; brother, Frank; and step granddaughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Natal.
Friends may call 6 to 8 P.M., Friday, October 26, 2012 at The Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., (at State Rt. 57), Elyria, (440) 322-4626. Funeral Mass will be 10 A.M., Saturday, October 27, 2012 at St. Jude Church, 590 Poplar St., Elyria, where Rev. Fr. John G. Vrana will be the Celebrant (please meet at the church). Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Elyria, where V.F.W. Post #1079 will provide full military honors.
Memorial contributions in Jerry’s memory can be sent to Knights of Columbus Elyria Catholic Scholarship Fund, 118 Kipling St., Elyria, OH 44035.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.
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