Gerald R. "Jerry" Rotach

Mr. Gerald R. “Jerry” Rotach, age 72, of North Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 11, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on March 8, 1938, Gerald is the son of Congetta (Arcuri) Rotach and the late Clyde Rotach. Raised and educated locally, he attended T. R. Proctor High School. On August 8, 1959 he married the former Janet C. Spiridigliozzi and shared with her a traditional relationship that honored each other and family life; Jerry and Janet celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. At one time, Jerry was employed by the General Electric Company/Broad Street plant. An employee of the City of Utica Department of Public Works for an honorable 40 year tenure, he held the position of heavy equipment operator. He was recognized by his peers for his expertise when operating the machinery; until concluding his career in the year 2000. His retirement was a unique and meaningful time in which he was able to alter the hectic routines of life. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the carmaradre of these sports. In the world of baseball and football, he was a fan of the New York Yankees and the New England Patriots. He had a fun-loving personality and took pleasure in socializing with his many friends at the American Legion Post 229. At the end of the day, Jerry will be remembered as a compassionate man who had the interests of others at heart. Jerry is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Gerald J. “Jerry” Rotach and Madeline Wilson of Utica; his daughter, Renee Odell of Whitesboro; his beloved mother, Congetta; his grandchildren, Tiffany Odell and her father, Randy Odell, and Ashley N. Rotach; his sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Anne Damuth, Cheryl and Fred Yozzo, and Petronella “Penny” Yozzo; his brothers and sister-in-law, Fred Rotach, and Clyde K., Jr. “Buddy” and JoAnne Rotach; his many nieces and nephews who he loved deeply; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, Gil and Kathy Sperry of New Hampshire, and his longtime buddy, Vinny Costelli. He will also be missed by his canine companion, “Sugar Baby”. The family is grateful to the staff of the Critical Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the manner in which they embraced Jerry’s difficult moments with much compassion and true professionalism; Dr. Lev Goldiner of the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group who attended to the family with informed knowledge to assist them during their trying time; and Sr. Maureen Denn, CSJ, for her spiritual guidance and prayers. The family honored Jerry’s final wishes in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Monday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of services. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Gerald R. "Jerry" Rotach

March 8, 1938 - June 11, 2010