NEWTON FALLS - Gerald T. Aaron Sr., 61, passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at the Cleveland Clinic with his loving wife and family at his side.
On Oct. 8, 1950, in Youngstown, Everett and Almetta Clark Aaron welcomed the birth of their son, Gerald.
Gerald honorably served our country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
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Gerald T. Aaron
He was a lifetime area resident and employed in the body shop at General Motors for 28 years, retiring from his duties in 2009.
Jerry enjoyed working in his yard and garden, watching sports, and tinkering with his "Big Boy Truck."
Though his gruff exterior and unforgettable voice, he was the social butterfly and stopped to talk to everyone, even strangers, and always parted as friends.
Nicknamed "Scary Jerry,'' it was a joy to watch how young children were attracted to him, always with a kiss and hug, unfearful. Jerry shared many special bonds, especially with his grandchildren, and these will be sorely missed.
He was a hardworking, caring man who would help anyone who needed it and enjoyed taking fresh veggies to the seniors uptown at the end of summer.
On March 25, 2000, Gerald and his best friend and love, Colleen Buchanan were united into marriage.
Cherished memories of Gerald will be carried on by his wife, Colleen Aaron of Newton Falls; sons, Gerald T. Aaron Jr. of Boardman, Joe Respondek of Mentor and Richard Respondek of Clinton, Mich.; daughter, Sherry Cappelli of Poland; and grandchildren, Gerald T. Aaron III, Billy Aaron Jr., Matthew Wallace, Jacob Respondek, Chloe Respondek, Calista Respondek and Kiera Yadon.
Preceding Jerry in death were his parents; son, Billy Aaron Jr., who passed away from ALS five years ago; and brother Rowen Clark.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Borowski Memorial Home, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Newton Falls Veterans Organization will honor Gerald's service to our country with military honors at St. Michael's Cemetery where Gerald will be laid to rest.
Jerry's request was that people attending calling hours and services dress not to impress. Blue jeans and T-shirts are preferred.
The family says he will be deeply missed, and offers special thanks to Jimmy DeBolt and "Our Little Angel" Jill Respondek. P.S. Always In 3's.
In lieu of flowers, material tributes may be made in Jerry's name to the ALS Association (Lou Gehrig's Disease), and through the annual ALS walk at the Eastwood Field, which will be on Sunday Oct. 14, with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m.
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