GERALD A. "Jerry" WIDOK. Age 90. Passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2025. Beloved husband of 67 years to Frances E. "Fran" (nee Stock). Loving father of Kathy Serpentini, and Jerry (Jo Ann deceased). Beloved grandfather of Bobby (Mary Frances), and Ryan and great grandfather of Francesca and Bobby IV. Dear brother of the late Joyce and Jack. Dear uncle and friend to many.
MEMORIAL MASS THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH AT 10AM PRECEDED BY VISITATION STARTING AT 9:30AM ALL AT ST. BRIDGET OF KILDARE PARISH 5620 Hauserman Rd. Parma, Oh 44130. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Home 6707 State Rd. Parma, Oh 44134.
67 years of marriage is something to be extremely proud of, and Jerry certainly was! His bride and he traveled extensively over the years with friends, and they were always planning for the next big excursion! They also never missed a baptism, communion, wedding, anniversary, special occasion or funeral! Celebrating and honoring their family and friends was always front and center with Jerry & Fran.
Jerry adored his kids, grandkids and great grandkids with his whole heart. Attending their sports events was always a top priority for him. He never missed a softball, baseball, soccer, football game or any other event that they may have been involved in. As many of his "adopted" grandkids can attest to, his voice and "behind the backstop coaching" could be heard all over the field…and, then from the parking lot, as he was at times escorted out! Yes, Jerry left us with some unique and memorable moments!
Golfing was a great love of Jerry's, which he continued up until just a few years ago. He amassed quite a collection of clubs and golf related items from the countless estate and garage sales he frequented over the last 60 years (another favorite hobby of his). Much sympathy to Bobby & Ryan who are now responsible for his massive collection.
A lifetime fisherman who traveled frequently to Canada for fishing trips in his younger years, he was still baiting hooks for his Little Sweetheart, Francesca! He was so proud of her when she bagged double digit fish on their last outing.
Though Jerry lived deep in "Browns Town" for 73 years, let there be no doubt, he was a Die Hard Steeler's fan thru and thru, Of course, this was especially evident when the Steelers played the Browns. This always made for great family rivalry, and unfortunately his grandson Ryan was usually on the losing end. To rub salt in the wounds, Ryan was gifted his grandfather's cherished Hines Ward signed jersey, stipulating that it must be hung in Ryan's place of residence. Oh, boy! That will make for some interesting explanations!
Jerry was well known for his "Great Escapes," namely in his silver Nissan that now registers 150,000 miles. His goal was 200,000, but we are all pretty happy he didn't hit that, as Jerry had a lead foot and annihilated a grave yard of brake pads. His dear friend, Ron, was his accomplice on many of his infamous "road trips," and the stories are priceless.
There was never a stranger in Jerry's presence. He loved life and loved people! He was a real character, but he was our character! And, we will miss him forever!
p.s. Apologies to any Valley Forge football players that were talked into buying those 70's leisure suits (especially, the powder blue one)! Yes, that was another epic Jerry story!