Gerald M. “Jerry” Volchko
Gerald M. “Jerry” Volchko, 74, of Butler, the ultimate Steelers fan, lost the game of his life on Saturday. But from the first play until the clock expired, what a game it was.
The quarterback found his perfect teammate 51 years ago in his wife, Judith F. (Jonczak) Volchko, and together they staged a fourth-quarter rally for the ages. Helping to run the no-huddle and draw up a Hail Mary or two were their daughters, Kimberly J. Kraynak-Lambert (Scott) and Gerri M. Volchko Paulisick (Joseph); a son, Andrew S. Volchko (Teresa); and “son” Jeffrey A. Deller (Joni).
In the second quarter, Jerry engineered one touchdown drive after the other. He worked at the Shenango Coke Plant, serving as a grievance representative for Local 2687 of the United Steelworkers, served in the U.S. Army in Greenland and was an active member of the Dubois American Legion and Punxsutawney FOE. His most impressive red zone work came via his founding, along with his wife, of a support group for Desert Storm soldiers (HOTODS) as well as his many rewarding years spent coaching CYAA Lions football and Outlaws Girls softball in Coraopolis, Pa.
The early game began in Crucible, Pa., with his parents, Elizabeth (Sabo) Volchko and Joseph Volchko; and his sisters, Cheryl Harding and Mary Kay Volchko, all of whom were forced out of the game far too early.
Still cheering on the sidelines was his sister, Victoria Barker (Earl); his big brother and hero, Joseph Volchko (Diana); as well as his many nieces and nephews; and most devoted fans, Bill, Tammy, Lisa, Tater, Scott and their families.
Like all great games, the fourth-quarter heroics couldn't have happened without the early contributions provided by Jerry's dazzling special teams, via grandchildren Nick, Cullen, Chloe, Karsyn, Shelby, Hayden, Harrison, Garrett, Katie and Andrew James.
His long-standing performance with all those who love him have no doubt landed him a spot in the Hall of Fame. His next game is scheduled at a stadium where there are no fumbles, where every day feels like Super Bowl Sunday and where he will finally earn his very much-deserved Immaculate Reception.
VOLCHKO — The team of Gerald M. “Jerry” Volchko, who died Saturday, March 2, 2019, welcomes you to pay your respects from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, 200 North St., Butler.The family requests that in honor of Jerry for funeral services on Friday, everyone wear their favorite Steelers apparel. The family invites everyone to a final tailgate luncheon immediately following.Military honors will be provided by the officers and members of the American Legion Post 117 Butler, American Legion Post 778 Lyndora, and the VFW Post 249 of Butler, at a graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to IATW, Outdoors Program, 12590 Perry Highway, Suite 700, Wexford, PA 15090.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.
