Jerry A. Gillette, 78, of White Township, passed away on July 27, 2019, following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
He was born in Macomb, Illinois, on February 20, 1941, to Joseph and Letha Butler Gillette.
Jerry was a graduate of Missouri School of Mines (Rolla University) with a degree in civil engineering. Jerry ‘s engineering career sent him throughout the United States and South America with various engineering firms specializing in construction of power plant systems.
Jerry moved to Indiana in 1992 where he met his golf partner and wife for life, Sandra Flinko Gillette marrying in May 1995. Jerry was very active in the community serving as a past member on the Board of Governors of Indiana Country Club, President of the Indiana County Sewage and Municipal Board, Committee Member of the Indiana County Republican Committee, Member of the Indiana Country Club, VFW and Allied Club. He was an avid golfer recapping with his group at the 19th hole each weekend, and a skilled woodworker. All enjoyed seeing his yearly handmade wooden bow ties worn for Kentucky Derby Day. His prize piece was a firetruck winning best in show at the Indiana County Fair. A fan of the game of baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, his most cherished legacy was co-founding of the Miracle Field of Indiana County. He fundraised and oversaw the construction of the field in 2014-15 and ultimately the fruits of his labor of children and adults playing baseball at the field. Jerry took great pride in remodeling projects at his home and possessed a special mathematical mind calculating formulas and equations with accuracy and speed.
He is survived by his wife, Sandi; sons – Joseph (Beth) of Rockville, Maryland; Dan (Brenda Gatlin) of Grapevine, Texas; and stepson – Ian Montgomery (Amy Cupp) of Bridgeville; granddaughter – Tina Garcia, of Dallas, TX; and grandson – Jace of Rockville; siblings – Dick (Gayleen) of Winfield, MO; and Jean (Gene) Zackey of Mt. Sterling, IL; and sisters-in-law – Betty (Alan) Patterson, Las Vegas, NV; Judy (Ron) Clark and Joyce (Butch deceased) Flinko of Indiana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana, with private burial at St. Bernard’s Cemetery at a later date.
All who knew Jerry saw his gentleman qualities and kind blue eyes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Indiana County Miracle Field, c/o YMCA of Indiana, 60 N. Ben Franklin Road, Indiana, PA 15701.
