Gerald (Jerry) R. Severns, Sr., 91 passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021 after complications from COVID at Life Care of Medina. He was born April 5, 1929 in Valley City, OH. and lived in Grafton Township from the age of six. Jerry graduated from Belden High School in 1947 and married the love of his life Lena M. Perri November 13, 1948 at Immaculate Conception Church in Grafton. Jerry and Lena lived in the Belden area where he was a charter member of the Grafton Township Volunteer Fire Department and went on the first fire call. He served on the department until being drafted in the United States Army during the Korean War assigned to FECOM. Upon return he lived in Grafton for 67 years. Jerry worked at American Standard/Tappan/Smith Jones, Inc. for 35 years and served on the Board of Directors of the Tappan Employees Credit Union. He was a member of Local 268 AF OFL/CIO Molders and Allied Workers Union and served as a Trustee and on the Negotiating Committee and as vice president. Jerry started work at the Grafton Correctional Camp until the Grafton Correctional Institution opened in 1989 for twelve years. He was assigned to special duty and was the first Officer of the year in 1989 receiving commendations and awards. He set up Chapter 4710 of the AFSME OCSEA union and served as president. Jerry played in area dance bands in the 40's through 70's having his own dance band with son Jerry Jr. in the 60's and 70's known as the instrumentals. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception/Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Grafton serving as an Usher, Eucharistic Minister, Mass Coordinator, Altar Server, money counter and a member of The Holy Name Society helping with work teams and fund raisers, and was also a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his loving wife of 72 yrs., Lena; son, Gerald (Beverly) Severns Jr.; daughter Ellen (Ken) Yacobozzi; grandsons, Christopher (Theresa) Yacobozzi and Nicholas (Erica) Yacobozzi; brother Harold Severns. He was preceded in death by his father Amos, mother Lena; sisters, Aurice Spieth and Lula Kaminski. Jerry was loved by all he met and will be missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Life Care of Medina for the exceptional care and compassion they gave to Jerry. Due to COVID a private viewing and mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace officiated by Rev. Fr. John P. Seabold. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jerry's name to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church or Helping Hands of Our Lady Queen of Peace, 708 Erie St. Grafton, OH. 44044. Arrangements were entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria, 440-322-4626. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com

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