Jerry Kusar Sr. age 84, beloved husband for 63 years of Mary Jane (nee Tekavec); loving father of Jerry (wife Pam), Jim (wife Jean), Janine Wilcox (husband Jerry), Jamie Morford (husband Aaron); devoted grandfather of Jared (wife Amanda), Cory, John, Matt and Trent Kusar, Zoe and Ashton Gregory, Austin, Tyler and CeCe Wilcox, Sonia, Vivian, and Clara Morford and the late Isla Morford and great-grandfather of Caleb; cherished son of the late Joseph and Caroline (nee Kaifes); dearest brother of Joe Kusar Jr. (wife Andrea); dear uncle and great-uncle of many.
Jerry was born October 1, 1937 and died peacefully on January 28, 2022. Jerry was raised in Pennsylvania but spent his childhood summers with his mom in Euclid.
It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary Jane, when he was 14 years old. They had their first date two years later and married two years after that.
He was a history buff and an avid reader. Jerry enjoyed bowling and loved to hunt. He never missed an opening day of deer hunting. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time outside. He loved nature and all animals. Over the years he owned horses, pigs, dogs, birds, cats, rabbits, fish, snakes and guinea pigs. He never said no to any animal.
He was a Pittsburg Steelers Fan. He was also a fan of most all music, especially rock and roll. Some of his favorite bands included AC/DC, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Tom Petty, Heart and the Traveling Wilburys.
Jerry was a forging industry expert who manufactured, repaired and refurbished forging presses and wire drawers around the world. He was highly sought after for his expertise in this industry across the globe. Some of the places his work took him and Mary Jane included Thailand, Bulgaria, Venezuala, Peru and Slovenia. Later in their marriage they travelled to Florida every year, visiting Disney and spending a week on the beach.
Jerry was dedicated to his family. He had a big personality. He was a jokester and loved to talk to everyone. A hard worker, he knew how to enjoy life. He was adored by his family, especially his grandkids, nieces and nephews, and he adored them. He loved attending all of their events, and often quipped had he known how great it was to have grandkids, he would have had them first.
He and Mary Jane were truly in love with one another. He will be dearly missed by all.
Contributions may be made in memory of Jerry to the Lake County Humane Society. Mass of Christian Burial FRIDAY, February 4, 2022 at Divine Word Catholic Church at 10:30AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jerry at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) THURSDAY 3-7 PM.
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Mike & Lori
Sincere sympathy to the family. Jerry was a great man, loved by many. He will be missed. He leaves a great legacy behind. I remember his humongous “hugs” when he would see you!
Prayers and love from Mike & Lori
Don and Cheryl Zielinski
Jerry will be missed. We’ll miss all the wonderful times when we got together with him, Mary Jane, Ed and Rafaela. How we looked forward at Christmas for dinner and playing cards especially Mexican Train. Our hearts go out to the family. With Deepest Sympathy!
Jim and Barb and Family
The Tekavec Family absolutely Loved our Jerry. He cared for all of us and we knew it as soon as he gave you his big best hug. We will miss him and that hug. Love you our Jerry. Our deepest sympathy to all the Kusar family we Love you❤️
Sue Dunay
Jerry & Pam and family
We are so sorry for the passing of Jerry’s father. We are praying for strength during these hard days.
DONALD A HOWELL
Deeply sorry for your loss Kusar family. Mr Kusar treated everyone like they were his own kids. I always looked forward to hunting with Big Jerry during gun or muzzleloader season. We would get Mac Donald’s Breakfast early in the morning and I was to keep that a secret from Mrs Kusar lol. I loved all his stories – funny or serious. He was truly a mans man and never sugar coated anything!! After hearing those great stories and life’s lessons, I would walk away with that I can do better and be a great man as he always had been. He was a great husband, father and friend. You will be truly missed Mr Kusar aka Big Jerry.
Mike Bezilla
I spent a large amount of my childhood at the Kusars hanging around with my cousin Jim and letting him talk me into no end of mischief. Uncle Jerry was larger than life. He had a commanding presence and a joyful spirit. His personality was strong and his handshake & hugs stronger. He loved to joke around but you definitely diodn’t cross the line or you would get the dreaded “dutch rub”… I blame my hair loss to this day on Uncle Jerry (just kidding). I miss you Uncle Jerry and I will never forget you! My thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Mary Jane, Jerry, Jim, Janine, Jamie and the entire Kusar family. Love you all!
Karla Kosack
I love you all.
I’m so sorry and Jerry will be missed .
Margaret and Claudio
May the happy memories help carry you and your family through this sorrowful time. Sending you love and our condolences.
Giganti-Golynski Family.