Gerald J. (Jerry) Porczak, 86, of Fremont, OH passed away on July 2, 2020 at Ebeid Hospice Hospital in Sylvania, OH. He was born June 9, 1934 in Detroit (Hamtramck), MI; the youngest of three boys born to Joseph and Lillian (Turczynski) Porczak. The family moved to Fremont, OH prior to World War II. He attended Lutz Grade School and was a 1952 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. A passionate high school student-athlete, he studied a variety of college prep courses while competing in track (hurdles), basketball, and football. As a two-year starter, his football resume includes positions as center (junior year), followed by offensive end, defensive end, center for punts, field goals, and extra points, and member of the first undefeated team in Ross High School history (9-0-1). Had high school baseball been offered at that time, it too would have been included among his accomplishments. Not to be deterred, he played on American Legion and Fremont City League teams.
After graduation, Jerry worked in labor positions with Robert Kerwin Masonry and N.I. Woleslagel Moving Company before volunteering for the draft along with 14 other local men. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, making stops at Fort Knox (Kentucky), Fort Bliss (Texas), and Fort Ord (California), before returning to Fort Bliss for guided missile school. He finished his service at Fort Sheridan (Illinois) as a guided missile technician with the 69th Nike Guided Missile Battalion serving in defense of the greater Chicago area. At discharge, Jerry was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. After his return to Fremont, he married Constance Bintz on September 5, 1960 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1961.
Jerry initially worked for Dun and Bradstreet in Lima and Toledo, OH before accepting a position with Chemi-Trol Chemical Company in Gibsonburg and Fremont, OH in 1966. There, he was tasked with learning the business from the ground up (including stints with the road striping and spraying crews) while acting as the Credit and Finance Manager. He retired in 1996, after 30 years. Jerry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fremont Elks, and Fremont Yacht Club. His community service included positions as President of the Regional Planning Commission, President of the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce, and Ballville Township Trustee. As township trustee, he was involved in installation of the severe weather early warning system and negotiations related to and purchase of the land for Conner Park. His hobbies included golf, working in his yard, and traveling. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football, basketball, and baseball as well as his grandchildren’s and his friend’s grandchildren’s exploits in soccer, hockey, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, band, dance, and show choir. Jerry loved his golden retrievers, Reno and Tahoe, and particularly enjoyed their walks to Ballville’s corner store to grab a cup of coffee and share a donut.
Jerry is survived by his children, Julie (Thomas) Poorman, Brighton, MI, Johanna (Jodi) (William) Theis, Valley City, OH, Gerald J. (Jay) (Tara) Porczak Jr., Loveland, OH, Joel Porczak, Fremont, OH; brother, Norbert Porczak, Mansfield, OH; sister-in-law, Nita (Richard) Porczak, Defiance, OH; grandchildren, Grace and Jacob Poorman, Julia and Caroline Theis, Madeleine and Cameron Porczak; and long-time friend, Pat Spieldenner, Fremont, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Constance (Bintz) Porczak; brother, Richard Porczak; sisters-in-law, Jeannine (Bintz) House and Annette (Bintz) Huffman; and brother-in-law, Adrian Jack Bergers.
Visitation: Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St., Fremont, OH.
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 10, 2020; 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St., Fremont, OH.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery
The family requests the use of face masks or coverings during visitation, mass, and graveside services. Social distancing will be observed throughout all services with wait times taking place outdoors. If you would prefer, you may express your condolences at www.whhfh.comor call the funeral home at 419-332-6409 to request that your name be signed in the guest book.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to SJCC Campus, Fremont Ross High School Athletic Boosters, or SJCC High School Athletic Boosters.
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Marilyn Dubielak
My deepest sympathy to the family of Jerry I am a first cousin of your Dad and grandfather. Jerry & I had not seen each other since we were children and used to play softball at my parents home on Lime Street. We have been recently communicating via mail at Christmas time for the past few years & more recently when he was in the nursing hone for rehab in Fremont. jerry’s dad & my dad, Anthony Porczak were brothers. I have a picture of Jerry & me taken when he was probably 10 and I was 9. it looks as if we had just finished playing ball since his brothers are in the background still throwing the softball.
I wish that I could be with you on on Friday at St. Joseph’s but at age 85 it is hard for me to get around and also the COVID-19 virus is definitely a problem. I will remember your Dad and Grandfather in my daily prayers. It was my hope to eventually come to see him in person but we ran out of time.
I live in Toledo and wish I would have known that he at one time worked in Toledo. We could have met up then.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Porczak Dubielak
2214 Whitechapel Dr.
Toledo Oh 43614
Dave Rhineberger
Julie & Jodi,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad. I have many memories of him that have put a smile on my face when thinking of him during our high school days. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dave Rhineberger
Gary Godfred
We would like to extend our sympathy to you with the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gary and Joan Godfred
Janet Patterson
My thoughts and prayers are with you all today and future days. I send my love to all
Jan Patterson
Art Heslet
My sincere condolences to Jerry’s family.
As a classmate and teammate, Jerry was one of the
best to have great clean fun. Not that we were not
a little devious. Many trips to Gem Beach, Sat nights at Rainbow Gardens. Checking out the beautiful young ladies, hopeful they would look back.
Then Jerry hit the jackpot, Connie, WOW!! What a great couple, It is sad that as we progress through life close friends go their own direction and just treasure reminiscing once a year at reunions. We all will miss this gentleman.
Alicia Dean
We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Jerry’s passing. I will always remember the smell of his pipe and his wonderfully dry sense of humor. Sending our sympathy and much love to all your family.
Alicia
Dee Michael
We were so sorry to hear that Jerry passed away! He was such a friendly man and always had a hi and a smile on his face!
The family and Pat have our deepest sympathy. Prayers go out for all of you!
Wayne & Dee Michael
Anne Borer
To Julie and the whole Porczak Clan- you have my most sincere condolences in the loss of your dad. What a guy! I’ll never forget his crooked grin as he would greet us all when we would visit…. whether it would be an actual “knock on the door” visit, or a “he caught us toilet-papering again” visit….. always good-natured! He will be missed!
Lots of love,
Anne (Wasserman) Borer
and Erin, too!
Tom Dudley
Dear family and Pat,
I wanted you to know how much I loved your father and Partner. I had the privileged of working along side Gerry for 16 years, first as a salesmen and then as sales manager of Chemi-Trol’s tank division. With Gerry as their finance division manager we spent many an hour together at work. Still to this day, I have never know a better, friendlier and warmer friend. I always looked forward to being around him whether it was business or fun.
I hope all the great memories of Gerry can help with the hurt I know you are now feeling. He was the best of the best!