Gerald Alan Jakovac, 72, of Penn Township, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, May 5, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of his wife, Terry.

Born Dec. 24, 1952, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Louis A. Jakovac Sr. and Ida Blanche Logan Jakovac.

Jerry was a master stone mason and carpenter whose craftsmanship and work were admired by all who knew him. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found joy in the simple things — especially fishing and stacking firewood, a task he completed with unmatched precision and care. His meticulously stacked wood corners were a point of pride, and his fireplace, which burned year-round, was the warm heart of his cherished basement retreat, affectionately known as Duffy’s.

Jerry’s life was extended and deeply enriched thanks to a lifesaving double-lung transplant in 2008, for which he and his family remained forever grateful to the generous donor, Ben, and his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Terry (Paulsen); his daughter, Keirsten Havrilesko (David); two granddaughters, Mia and Emilee Kopps; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Patricia Wittebort of Greenville, S.C., Barbara Ramsey of Virginia Beach, Va., Jean Miller of Saxonburg, Louis Jakovac Jr. (Julia McAtee) of Butler, Terence Jakovac (Vicki Becker) of Buford, S.C., and Kimberly Jakovac Wetzel of Saxonburg; along with many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Gail F. Tritsch Jakovac; and his parents, Louis A. Jakovac Sr. and Ida Blanche Logan Jakovac.

He will be remembered for his skilled hands, warm spirit and the legacy of love and memories he leaves behind.

JAKOVAC — Gerald Alan Jakovac, who died Monday, May 5, 2025, preferred no visitation or funeral. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saxonburg VFC Ambulance Company, 210 Horne Ave., Saxonburg, PA 16056, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to FOX FUNERAL HOME, Saxonburg.

For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.