A date that echoes with horror in our American psyche brings us together today for our sad farewell to a husband, a father and grandfather, a brother and coach who has touched so many lives. From his birth in the year that World War I finally drew to a close, to his survival decades later into the eras of Cold War and space travel, he saw quite a bit here on earth with you.
Jerry was the second born to Harry and Bessie, with an older sister Sadie Ross (of blessed memory) and Lillian (the late David Scholem), plus brother Marvin, married to Toby. Either Jerry or his father were among the families who who were early founders of B'nai Emunah Congregation in Greenfield, while tending to a restaurant and bar in Homestead. Jerry is saluted for his incredible work ethic--and for how natural it was that Lillian and all their children joined him at Buffington's Lounge. Above all, he never complained, loved people, and was a great listener. Not to speak of a consummate kibbitzer!
But we have to return to Homestead, where on leave from the US Army and very much in uniform, he helped Carl at an address that would become his second home. There he met Lillian Davis and their marriage was blessed with four children, David, Sharon, Howard, and Bruce (or "Buddy"). Summers were spent at Atlantic City and a special role always preserved for Grandma Valinsky! Having loved sports and athletics back at Duquesne University, Jerry took to the basketball, softball, and baseball commitments of his kids, from David on down. He coached Sharon's sorority basketball squad and loved watching Howie's Allderdice High School baseball. And Buddy (later married Jane) was a true star in basketball and on the sidelines as a coach in baseball.
This unforgettable personality also found time to be like a father to little brother and introduce Marvin to his first bicycle. Plus there was that little poker group that met for the weekly game.The family continued to grow as David married Lorrie and are here from Columbus with Alexandra, Sharon married David Reiss and brought Rachel and Seth into "Zayde's" orbit, Howard married Elaine and provided Ilana and Jordan. The Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary Celebration at Station Square was a joyous affirmation of all that had been shared in a long and successful sojourn.