Gerald F. Rodoski

Gerald F. "Jerry" Rodoski, 81, a longtime resident of Clay, died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 7, at St. Camillus Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness.
Jerry was born April 19, 1941, in Jamestown, N.Y,, a son of John and Wanda Przybelinski Rodoski. He was educated in Jamestown schools. He married Mary Ellen Steffen on April 20, 1963, in Bemus Point, N.Y., a loving union of almost 60 years.

He spent his entire career in the baking industry, starting out at Firch's Baking Company in Jamestown and moving on to companies in North Carolina and Georgia. He was a sanitation manager at Penny Curtiss Baking Company in Syracuse for more than 20 years before retiring in 2007. He most recently
worked as a courtesy driver with Driver's Village, a job that was a perfect fit with his outgoing and gregarious nature.

Jerry knew someone everywhere he went and was always quick with a joke or two. He fiercely loved and was devoted to his family, and everything he did in life was for their benefit. He always told his children and grandchildren "watch your damn driving" -his way of saying "I love you."

Jerry was a member of the Clay Fire Department for many years, including serving as captain of the fire police. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Cicero and volunteered as an usher there. He was also a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Clay Sportsman's Club.

Surviving are his loving wife, Mary Ellen; two daughters, Valerie (Jeff) Moore of Pennellville and Diane (John) Gibbons of Brewerton; a son, Dennis (Kelly) Rodoski of Liverpool; three grandchildren, Ashley Gibbons (Ethan Faulter), Brian Gibbons (Diana Fusco) and Madeleine Rodoski; two brothers-in-law, Patrick (Jeannie) Steffen of Ashville, N.Y. and Michael (Lisa) Steffen of Bemus Point, N.Y., and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Gene Rodoski, and a sister, Sandra Currah.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27th from 1-4 PM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, N. Syracuse. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 28th at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Cicero. Burial to follow in Pine Plains, Clay.

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