Obituaries » Gerald (Jerry) Race
Check your settings when you are happy with your print preview press the print icon below.
Show Obituaries Show Guestbook Show Photos QR Code PrintGerald (Jerry) Race
January 29, 1941 - August 16, 2017
Share your Memorial with Family & Friends
Gerald (Jerry) Race, 76, of Taylor, died Wednesday morning at Celtic Hospice Inpatient Unit, Wilkes-Barre, after an illness. Surviving is his loving wife, Patricia Sipper Race. Wed on Valentine’s Day, 1985, the couple were married for 32 years.
Born on Jan. 29, 1941 and raised in Old Forge, he was the son of the late Anna and John Race. He was a 1959 graduate of Old Forge High School. Upon graduation, he joined the Army Reserves where he honorably served before discharge in 1966. Before his retirement, he worked for Anemostat of Taylor, and of Roman Catholic faith, he was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge.
Jerry loved music, serving as the bass guitarist for local bands “The Fugitives” and “8th Street Bridge.” He was an avid collector of all things, but especially coins. Also an artist, he had created a collection of his own oil paintings. Passing away peacefully surrounded by family, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, relative and friend who will forever be missed.
His family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the entire staff of Celtic Hospice for their care and compassion throughout Jerry’s stay.
He is also survived by his daughter, Kerri Derrico and husband, Blaise, of Breinigsville; stepchildren, Maria Fahey and husband, Robert Jr., of Pittston; and Joseph Sperrazza and wife, Tina, of Pittston; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Jase; three step-grandchildren, CasSondra Gillaspy and husband, Kirby; Alexander Fahey and Robert Fahey III; and nieces and nephews.
His brother, John Race Jr., also preceded him in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church at Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge, to be celebrated by the Rev. August A. Ricciardi, pastor. Burial will follow at St. Casimir’s Cemetery in Pittston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s name to the Celtic Hospice and Home Health, 601 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.