Obituary of Gerald Yozwiak

Mr. Gerald "Jerry" James Yozwiak, 65, of Plains Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. He was surrounded by his loving family at this time. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Plains Township, born May 5, 1959. He was one of three children to the late Lawrence and Veronica (Kosierowski) Yozwiak. Jerry attended Bishop Hoban High School, class of 1977. He grew up playing football and baseball. From a young age, his work ethic began with a paper route and farming locally in Plains. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Jerry rose to the rank of Sergeant over his term of service where he was an Avionics Communication and Navigation Specialist. He started his service in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan and was also stationed in: Keflavik, Iceland; Nellis AFB, Nevada; Cold Lake, Canada; and Panama City, Florida, where he was honorably discharged in 1983. Jerry continued his higher education at Penn State University and received his Associate's Degree in electrical, electronics, and communication engineering. He also received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1996 from Misericordia College. For 41 years he worked as a communication engineer, most recently as a manager of Frontier Communications Central Office Engineering. His hobbies included: spending time with his family, vacationing at Lake Wallenpaupack, fishing, and always having a home grown garden. He also spent many hours listening to classic rock and working on restoring his 1981 Ford F-100. Jerry enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies, Penn State Football, and a few of his active associations included: North End Slovak Club, Plains Lions, American Legion, and the Brookside Sportsmen Club. He was also a member of Corpus Christi Parish. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother James (2013). Jerry is survived by Susan (Sepela), wife of 38 years, and his three children: Victoria, Adam (Abby), and Benjamin, grandson Levi. His brother Larry (Donna); sister- in- law Christine Yozwiak, nephew Nathan (Jasmine), nieces Andrea, Ali (Tony) Chupa; Tracy (Dan) Eslinger and Lisa Yozwiak as well several grand nieces & nephews. Jerry proudly served as a Plains Township Commissioner for the past 16 years, currently serving as Chairman. He prided himself on taking care of the community he was so familiar with. He was passionate, dedicated, and genuinely enjoyed being involved with Plains Township. From his co-commissioners, to the local departments (DPW, Fire, Parks & Rec, Police), and most importantly: residents of Plains; Jerry's family can't thank you enough for your ongoing support during this difficult time. Family would also like to express their sincerest gratitude towards the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Critical Care providers, specifically Dr. Matthews, and the ICU nursing staff. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Saints Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains. A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors begins at 1:30 p.m. Mass will be officiated by Msgr. John Sempa. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be given to our local farms: Larry O'Malia Farms and Greenhouses or Golomb Greenhouse, both located in Plains Township. Services have been made with care by the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.