Gerald "Jerry" 's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Gerald "Jerry" here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Jerry was an amazing and kind spirit. It was a joy to work with him at Ox-Bow for several years. He was a fantastic artist and an inspiration to students and certainly was to me. I wish the fondest of memories to his beloved family and friends.
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June Bowman
September 4th, 2020 at 12:33pm
I knew Jerry when he was first working out at Ox-Bow in Saugatuck, under a big blue tarp, blowing glass every Summer there! I was then, and always will be, enamored with his warm and inviting spirit, his enthusiasm, and his dedication to his art! He was genius with glass! One night, just a young curious teenager, I ventured out to Ox-Bow and just sort of “hung around” there. Jerry noticed me, and invited me into the Inn out there to experience his fascinating lecture and slide show as he was teaching some students about glass blowing! The invite just made my night; took a guy with extremely low self esteem in those days, and just “gave my spirit flight” for a while!! I would then visit with him every single Summer at Ox-Bow! He never forgot me, and always treated me with such great respect and kindness! I think of him, and those days all the time!! Jerry was a great Educator, Creative genius, but most of all, treat d everyone he met as if they were his very most special friend! I will never forget Jerry Catania! David D. Williams. Saugatuck, Michigan. 1-(616)-510-4194. I would LOVE to talk to anyone, at anytime, about your memories and times with Jerry! Just Telephone and leave a message, or E-Mail me: daviddw@hotmail.com. God Bless his family and Friends, and many wonderful students!
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David D. Williams
May 29th, 2020 at 3:32am
There are no words to express how blessed I feel to have crossed paths with such a wonderful person. Jerry was a kind, wonderful soul who never had an unkind word to say about anyone.
My heart goes out to you and Jerry's family, Kathy.
Ride the dunes dear friend!!!!!
Donna Schoenfelder Godush
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Donna Godush
May 22nd, 2020 at 10:58am
Such a wonderful , creative , kind teacher . ❤️
Jerry recognized the spark of creativity in the eyes of all the children and helped them to realize this gift of theirs in such a happy , exciting , joy filled way . Every kiddo loved Mr . Catania !
Jerry , you shall be missed . You are remembered with gratitude and appreciation by the now grown children and their parents .
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Mary Shine
May 20th, 2020 at 9:51am
Sorry to hear about Jerry's passing Will miss his smile and laughter.Greg Gaul aka your old ups driver in Glenn
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ANDREA GAUL
May 19th, 2020 at 9:10pm
I had the privilege to get to know Jerry and his lovely wife Kathy while working with the Art Fair at the Krasl Art Center. They were so devoted to the WaterStreet Glass Works Fired Up! program and all the students who have taken part in this opportunity to work with glass and all the life skills that go along with it. Jerry was an amazing artist , an amazingly kind man who was always there for everyone. He adored Kathy and was loved by so many people... I will miss his cheerful smile,and calm nature. His talent was astonishing . Gods blessings on all his family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Cindy Jakeway
May 19th, 2020 at 3:13pm
I grew up with Jerry, from Stevensville Elementary to Lakeshore High School. He was my Buddy. We greeted each other before every Algebra class with " Gort ! Krat Barada Nictu !" A line from a Sci-Fi movie that we both loved. Then. many years later, after he'd been in the Peace Corps, and I'd been in Vietnam, we'd see each other at Rick Ast's barn for a LSH reunion---and yep,
Gort ! Krat Barada Nictu ! What a dear, dear man. I planned on surprising Jerry at his studio in Sept. when I'll travel from NC to St Joe. Alas, 'twas not meant to be.
To Jerry's family---May God Bless you and keep you. Thanks for helping Jerry be who Jerry was.
Veland Libre-----Sail Free, my friend.
With love,
Diana Dwan Poole
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Diana Dwan Poole
May 19th, 2020 at 2:24pm
I will be forever grateful to Jerry for the generosity and patience that he showed me when I took classes from him to learn to blow glass. It's been 26 years since that first class, and that experience has enriched my life in so many ways. Jerry was a gentle and patient teacher and showed a genuine personal interest in his students.
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John Riepma
May 19th, 2020 at 12:57pm
