Obituary of Jerry Joseph Repetski

Jerry Joseph Repetski, PhD, Col USMCR Retired Jerry was a longtime resident of Sanborn, NY. He died unexpectedly on May 14, 2015 at Sterling House of Niagara in North Tonawanda, his residence for the past several years. Jerry was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on April 25, 1929 to parents Sam and Rose (Sokalski) Repetski. His given name was Jaroslaw. His early childhood was spent at home in Warwood, WV. His family moved to Buffalo, NY in the early 1940's.He attended St. John the Baptist School. His high school education started at Burgard Vocational where he studied Aviation Mechanics and where he lettered in Cross Country and Track. He graduated in 1947, but continued on for an additional year of high school at Riverside where he concentrated on math and physics courses. Jerry graduated in 1948 and was awarded a college scholarship from the local Women's Club. He attended the University at Buffalo and studied Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1952. He had served as the class President and lettered in Cross Country, Track and Wrestling. Jerry joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War as an air intelligence officer with the VMF441. In 1957, Jerry joined the Marine Corps reserves and served as an instructor for the Naval Reserve School in Buffalo. He retired in 1982 at the rank of Colonel. In 1955, Jerry started to teach at the University of Buffalo. During these years, he earned his Master's Degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering and earned his Professional Engineering license. In 1968, he was hired by Niagara County Community College as the first Chairman of the newly formed Math, Physics, Chemistry and Technology Department. He remained in that position until 1982. He retired after 30 years of teaching in 1998. During his tenure at UB, Jerry met his wife, the former Dorothy Haensly, on a blind date. They were married in 1961 and had four children together. Jerry and Dorothy were married for more than 52 years when Dorothy went home to the Lord in early 2013. He was an active supporter of his children's' 4-H projects and became an active leader for 4-H sitting on the Board of Directors of the Niagara County Extension Center. In his retirement, Jerry became a Master Gardner through a program offered by Cornell University and sponsored by the Extension Center. He spent several years lecturing, seeding, visiting nurseries and green houses. For several years he was a vegetable exhibit judge for the Niagara County Fair. His love of gardening continued on for many years while a resident of Sterling House in North Tonawanda. His long-time parish was Immaculate Conception RC Church in Ransomville where he served as an usher for many years during the Saturday evening Mass. Jerry was predeceased by his older brother, John Repetski in January of this year. Jerry was also predeceased in 1959 by his first wife, Arlene Stabler. He is survived by his four children; Michael (Melissa) Repetski of Tampa, FL, Edward (Valerie) Repetski, of Killeen, TX, Ann Marie Repetski of Niagara Falls, and Jeanne (James) Ashby of Sanborn. Jerry is also survived by his six Grandchildren; Mary Kate, Megan, Molly, Andrew, Lorelei and Daniel. He is survived by his remaining siblings Walter (Joanne) Repetski of Miami, FL, Barbara (late Joseph) Sawdye of Savannah, GA, Blanche (David) Haid of West Port, CT, and James (Erika) Repetski of North Lebanon, PA. Jerry is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 20, at 10:00 am in Immaculate Conception RC Church, 4671 Townline Rd. (Rte 429) Ransomville, with the Rev. James Bastian officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial with Military Honors will follow in North Ridge Cemetery, Church Rd., Town of Cambria. Memorials may be made to Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 1555 Third Ave., LPO 360, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.