Gerald J. "Jerry" Gmerek 81, of Elyria passed away unexpectedly Thursday October 18, 2012 at EMH Healthcare in Elyria. He was born May 7, 1931 in Morann, PA and moved to Elyria from Coraopolis, PA in 1962. Jerry served with the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to1955, stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the FAA in Oberlin as a Computer Systems Supervisor following thirty one years of service. Jerry and wife Libby retired to Bradenton, FL in 1999. He was a member of St. Jude Church, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly 811, and Past Grand Knight of Elyria Knights of Columbus Council 774. He was also a member of Elyria United Polish Club, V.F.W. Post 1079, American Legion Post 0012, Bradenton Moose Lodge 1223, and a Golf Lakes Estates resident. Jerry was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle who enjoyed travel, computers, boating, golf and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by daughters Theresa Wolf (Brian) of Ft. Wayne, IN; Kathleen Arth (Charles) of South Euclid; Barbara of Old Hickory, TN; Sandra of Grafton; and son Michael (Virgie) of Westerville, OH; step daughters Deborah Hemlinger and Denise Waghorn both of Savannah, GA; Jamie Natal of Elyria; and step sons, David Johnston of Elyria and Walter Johnston (Annette) of New London, OH. Additional survivors include grandchildren Miranda, Brittany and Jacob Gmerek; Brian Jr. and Rebekah Wolf; Erin, Emily and Joseph Arth; two sisters Genevieve Gallagher of Houtzdale, PA and Gertrude Abernethy of Morann, PA; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth "Libby" Gmerek, his parents; Frank J. and Sophie (nee Osinski) Gmerek, brother; Frank and step granddaughter; Cassandra "Cassie" Natal. Friends may call 6 to 8 PM Friday October 26, 2012 at The Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd, (at State Rt. 57) Elyria (440)322-4626. Funeral Mass 10:00 AM Saturday October 27, 2012 at St. Jude Church 590 Poplar St. Elyria where Rev. Fr. John G. Vrana will be the Celebrant. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Elyria where V.F.W. Post# 1079 will provide full military honors. Memorial contributions in Jerry's memory can be sent to Knights of Columbus Elyria Catholic Scholarship Fund 118 Kipling St. Elyria, OH 44035. Online condolences can be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 10:00 AM Saturday October 27, 2012 St. Jude Church 590 Poplar St. Elyria, Ohio Visitation: 6-8 PM Friday October 26, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio