Gerald Slivinski, 73, of West Monroe, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 23, 2016.

Jerry graduated from Fayetteville Manlius High School in 1961. From 1964-1967 he proudly served in the U.S. Army, 7th Army 124th HEM 8th Battalion. He retired from Penske Leasing, and prior to this worked for Byrnes Motor Express, and Mucci Trucking companies.

Jerry was an active member of Divine Mercy/St. Bernadette’s Mission Churches. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, family, and friends. He loved sailing, hiking, reading, and was creative with many projects at his home. He volunteered at “Bernadette’s Bistro”, and attended many field trips with his grandchildren. Especially dear to Jerry was his ongoing friendship with his fellow Army comrades “Band of Brothers”. Jerry had a good sense of humor and played practical jokes when the opportunity presented itself. He had an uncanny ability to relate to kids, and always had time for his grandchildren. He made each person he was with feel important and special, and he will be greatly missed.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents Henry and Wanda (Bankowski) Slivinski, brother Thomas Slivinski and sister Veronica (Slivinski) Rising. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Barbara Jones:  twin sister Geraldine (Carl) Ricca; sons Bruno (Linda) Slivinskia and Mark (Donna) Slivinski; daughter Susan (John) Zehner; step son William Miller; and step daughter Rebecca (Todd) Sterling. He enjoyed eleven precious grandchildren: Rachel (Eric) Votra, Bruno (Bianca) Slivinski, II, Kyle Sterling, Thomas Sterling, Kiara Sterling, Angelina Slivinski, Kimberly Slivinski, and Alayna Zehner; and a little great granddaughter Madison Votra. Jerry was a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was actively involved in the foreign exchange student program and was host parent to five students.  Over the years he maintained active friendships with them and kept them close to his heart long after they left.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, 11:00 am, at Mission of St. Bernadette, Constantia. Calling hours will be Thursday, 5 to 8 pm at Traub Funeral Home, 684 N. Main St., Central Square.  Burial, with military honors, will be held in the Veteran’s Cemetery, Onondaga, following the mass.  Contributions can be made in Jerry’s name to the American Heart Association.