jrleary_obit_header

Jerald R. Leary, age 80, of E. Jamestown Rd., Greene Twp.,  Jamestown, passed away Thursday morning, April 13, 2017 in UPMC Horizon Greenville. 

He was born in Saegertown, PA on March 4, 1937 to Howard and Evelyn (Burge) Leary.  Jerald was a 1955 graduate of Pymatuning  Joint High School.  He was the former owner of Leary's Ashland Service Station for nine years and in May of 1966 he joined the Bessemer & Lake Erie R.R.   He retired from the Bessemer in July of 1997 as the Lieutenant of Police after 31 years of employment. 

Jerald was a lifelong resident of Jamestown and was a member of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church.   He  was a 65 year member of Jamestown V.F.D., where he served as the rescue captain for 9 years.  He was a lifetime member and Past President of the Mercer County Chiefs of Police Association and was a lifetime member of the F.O.P. Lakeland Lodge #88.  Jerald was a former Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader and Community Training Coordinator.  He was also a member of the Pymatuning Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club, where he served yearly as a Safety Instructor and he was also a Snowmobile Safety Instructor for the Conservation of National Resources.  Jerald was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting at his Triple L Camp.  Along with his wife, he also enjoyed traveling on his Trike Motorcycle and held membership with G.W.R.R.A. and to Chapter N of Meadville.  In addition, Jerald was a milestone blood donor for the American Red Cross and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. 

On June 6, 1980, he married the former Elizabeth "Betty" Kirby, she survives at home.  Also surviving are three daughters,  Terry Ann Sluzenski and her husband Dale of Morrison, Co, Gwynne Marie Calvin of Jamestown, and Jamie Dee Bruce of Denver, CO; a son Daniel A. Leary and his wife Donna of Cheyenne, WY; three step-children, Susan K. Pollard and her husband Russ of Milford, OH, Carol A. White and her companion Paul McDonald of Mars, PA and Thomas A. Kirby and his wife Anita of Greenville;  a sister, Carolyn Gruver and her husband Harry of Greenville;  13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Charles Leary, a son, Richard W. Leary and a grandson, Christopher Leary.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Jamestown V.F.D., 208 Depot St., Jamestown, PA 16134. 

footer

14 Comments

  1. Denny Lumley Denny Lumley
    April 15, 2017    

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was a great guy! Lots of fond memories from my scouting years. Rest in Peace.

  2. Nancy Parks Nancy Parks
    April 15, 2017    

    I’m so sorry for your loss. It was always so nice when he & Betty stopped at the office for a visit when in Colorado, such a dear man. I’ll remember him fondly. My prayers and love go out to you all. Peace be with you ~ Nancy

  3. Carol Everson Carol Everson
    April 15, 2017    

    I have lots of fond memories of the times that Jack and I had traveling U.S. with Jerry and Betty …I am so sorry for your loss Betty..Jerry was a great guy and he will be missed by many…My prayers go out to you..

  4. Fred Garbler Fred Garbler
    April 15, 2017    

    So sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good man. May God be with you all & comfort you.

  5. Richard Brown Richard Brown
    April 15, 2017    

    I had the pleasure and the honor of working with Jerry when he was with the Bessimer Police Department and I was with the Greenville Police Department. A true professional both on and off the job.
    Betty, may God bless you and your family .

  6. Crystal Slingluff Crystal Slingluff
    April 16, 2017    

    I just loved Jerry, he was such a sweet man. Always smiling and could always make me smile. He will be missed. Love and prayers to Betty and the entire family.

  7. Steven Davenport Steven Davenport
    April 16, 2017    

    I am sorry for your loss, Jerry was a good man.

  8. Dean & Jessie Stuyvesant Dean & Jessie Stuyvesant
    April 16, 2017    

    Betty and Family, Our condolence on your loss and our good friend. Jerry and I stayed in contact off and on basis since graduation in 1955. We connected when I worked for the Greenville Police Dept. and Jerry worked for the Bessemer RR. Jerry and Betty came to visit us in New Mexico. We had a great time sharing memories. I was in contact with Jerry just a few weeks back regarding his photo and story in the Record Argus. I will miss him and look forward to our get together in God’s Kingdom. May the Lord comfort all his family during this time and bless each one. Love to all, Dean & Jessie Stuyvesant

  9. Becky Vestorsky Becky Vestorsky
    April 17, 2017    

    Words can not express how sorry I am to hear of Jerry’s passing. I always enjoyed his happy nature and bubbly attitude when he came to breakfast and/or dinner at B&A. He will be remembered for his kindness and smiling face.

  10. SHIRLEY JENKINS April 17,2017 SHIRLEY JENKINS April 17,2017
    April 17, 2017    

    Betty, so sorry to hear about Jerry. Couldn’t make it up today, but will be thinking of you and praying for you.

  11. Ronald Demmler Ronald Demmler
    April 17, 2017    

    Jerry will always be in my memory. Jerry was my first friend when I moved to Jamestown starting fourth grade. He remained my friend throughout high school. We had a lot of fun during those years.
    Will miss seeing him during our yearly class reunions.

  12. Robert Spohn Robert Spohn
    April 18, 2017    

    Worked many years with Jerry on the Bessemer Police Department. Jerry was a true professional who mentored and taught me and is a man who I truly respect. Betty, condolences to you and your family. Jerry will be sorely missed with his true servants heart! God will greet him with open arms! God Bless!!

    Bob and Wendy Spohn

  13. Butch Baker Butch Baker
    April 19, 2017    

    Sorry for your loss. Great person. Worked with him at auction.

  14. Sluzewski Terry Sluzewski Terry
    April 14, 2021    

    It’s been four years since we said goodbye Dad. So hard every year missing you. Your hugs, your laugh and corny jokes. Love, your daughter Terry & Dale.

Leave a Condolence

Your email address will not be published.