Jerome F. Fistek

JEROME F. FISTEK, aged 76 years, beloved husband for 54 years to Coleen F. (nee Murphy), dear father of Jay Fistek and Amy Fistek, loving grandfather of Jack Fistek, Alana Spochacz, Tom Fistek and David Fistek, cherished son of the late Frank and Stella (nee Arbaczwski), devoted brother of Larry (wife Carol) (both deceased), Tim, Mary Ann Travalik (husband Deacon Peter) and Judy Carver (husband Brad).

All great movies have stars, and famous directors, amazing scores, and teams of support.  But it all starts with the vision of the producer.  The producer makes it happen.  Forget The Godfather, Citizen Kane, or any others, Jerry Fistek produced a masterpiece.

He created lasting scenes that always starred his leading lady Coleen.  Theirs was a true love story.  They married young and wide eyed.  They built a life full of adventure, sometimes drama, but always an abundance of love.  Then they added a supporting cast in Jay and Amy, and their little love story became an ensemble.  Years went by, the adventures continued, then came Jack, Alana, Thomas, and David, and the picture became an epic.  Taking them from their humble beginnings in Cleveland, to ocean road pictures, to foreign pics in Ireland, criss crossing the land following wherever their troupe led them.  Finally, the close came, quietly, back where it all began.  A life in full.

Yes, Jerry Fistek produced a life worth modeling.  Never the biggest budget block buster, with the most explosions or flash, but always a story that you always wanted to hear.  He imbued love into everything he did.  He lived for his family.  He struggled to make his story come to life; it wasn’t always easy!  There were setbacks, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  But a Fistek never quits!  He didn’t live by motto’s or cliches, he lived by deeds.  He didn’t just speak of love, he showed what love meant in all his selfless actions.  A love in full.

When the final scene came, he finally took center stage himself, and gave a transcendent performance.  Everything the man was, and wasn’t, was laid bare for everyone to see.  And there, larger than the great producer’s heart, or prop of a suffering body, larger then any achievements or accolades, there was a greater love that only comes at the end.  The constant love and kisses he gave Coleen, his eyes only speaking “I couldn’t have done any of this if not for you”, the looks of respect he gave Amy all while tangling his fingers in his little girls hair, and the silly glint and tearful look he gave Jay while he rubbed his head and ran his hand over his beard.  The great producers greatest performance, unrivaled.  A masterpiece.

A life lived full.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH  44192.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, April 15, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (Gates Mills) at 11:30 AM. Private interment. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Jerry at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) SATURDAY MORNING 9:30 – 11 AM.

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