Gerald “Jerry” F. Tritsch
Gerald “Jerry” F. Tritsch, 90, of Butler passed away Wednesday at Good Samaritan Hospice of Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot.
He was born Feb. 21, 1926, at his parent's home on Center Avenue in Butler, the son of the late George H. and Grace Dufford Tritsch.
He retired from Armco Steel Jan. 31, 1986, after 33½ years. He worked as a turn foreman in the Labor Department and was known for having high standards, never being late, fair with his crew and expecting an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
After his retirement, he spent the next 30 years as a helper to his daughter and son-in-law at Rays Auto Sales in Butler.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a seaman first class on the USS Augusta, a heavy cruiser in the European Theatre during World War II. He was a proud member of the crew who transported Harry S. Truman to the Big Three Conference in Potsdam. He is a member of VFW Post 7376 in Saxonburg.
He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as watching old westerns on TV, working crossword puzzles, being outside in his yard, mowing the grass and eating pancakes at Kings. His greatest joy and sense of pride came from being a dad to his precious children and seeing them all succeed in life.
Jerry is survived by his children, Paula Thomas of Butler, William (Debbie) Tritsch of Saxonburg, and Dr. Joy (Eric) Peters of Zelienople; three grandchildren, Keirsten (David) Havrilesko, Feather (David) Bacher and Fawne Thomas; four great-grandchildren, Mia and Emilee Kopp and Jacob and Jonah Bacher; and several nieces and one nephew.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Teresa M. Tritsch, who he married April 26, 1952; one daughter, Gail Frances; his son-in-law, Dean Thomas; and his brother, Robert.
TRITSCH — Friends of Gerald “Jerry” F. Tritsch, who died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Jack Hartman will officiate. Entombment will be at the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery, Butler.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
