Jerry Pigula

Jerry Michael Pigula was a dedicated man—devoted to his family, his work and his country. He served proudly, whether during his military career or years on the job. He was friendly and helpful, yet so independent that he didn’t like people fussing over him. With his characteristic mustache and ready smile, Jerry was a joy to be around and his love of life was infectious.

Jerry was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 17, 1950, the third child of Sylvester and Clara (Szukala) Pigula. In the decade following WWII, Americans began rebuilding their lives, and young Jerry overcame his own hardship when he spent several months in a sanatorium recovering from Tuberculosis. However, he was none the worse for wear as he was full of mischief and enjoyed the spoiling that parents often lavish on the youngest child.

Jerry attended elementary school at Saints Peter and Paul in Detroit and as a youngster was active in football, baseball and later hockey. Throughout his life he remained a sports’ enthusiast and collector of memorabilia.

While at Cody High School, Jerry met Laurene Wizinski, and the two began a romance that took them on a military adventure. Jerry had joined the Navy and went to boot camp at Great Lakes, north of Chicago. After finishing basic training, he and Laurene were married on October 15, 1969. They moved to San Diego, California where he was stationed, but when Jerry was deployed overseas, Laurene returned to Michigan and lived in Detroit.

During the height of the Vietnam War, Jerry was aboard the USS Hanson and then the USS Kitty Hawk. On both ships, his primary responsibilities were in the kitchen, but he was called upon for other duties as well. Jerry saw action in Vietnam and served aboard ship in Korea, Philippines, China, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Navy, but once home, he was eager to begin life as a civilian.

As it turned out, Jerry’s first and only job following his discharge was with a garbage company. He started working as a jumper on a garbage truck and eventually became a supervisor. Being a dependable worker, he was also called upon to be a representative of the Teamsters’ Union. Being a fun-loving guy, he made the workplace a pleasant place to be. It was a sad day when his declining health due to diabetes eventually caused him to retire long before he wanted to.

In 1978, Jerry and Laurene welcomed son Jeffrey into their lives. Fatherhood suited Jerry because he was at the same time strict and fully engaged. He and Jeff spent a lot of time together. They liked to collect baseball memorabilia, especially baseball cards, and over the years they traveled the country to attend games. For a while, they were also into watching pro wrestling together. Though Jerry’s marriage did not last, Jeff remained living with Jerry. Over the years, they would travel the country visiting baseball parks. A short conversation with Jerry was all that was needed to see the pride he had for his son.

One of the big benefits of working for the same company for many years, Jerry earned several weeks of vacation each year. He often took his allotted time all at once so he could travel long distances in his camper. Over the years, the camper got bigger as the vacations got longer.

In recent years when he was no longer on the job, Jerry discovered woodworking as an outlet for his creativity. He liked to make crosses and Christmas ornaments, developing the skill and patience needed to carve the delicate and intricate pieces. Even if he had to start a project over several times, he was determined to see it to completion, and it gave him satisfaction to give away what he had made with his own hands.

For a brief time, Jerry moved to Grand Rapids to be near a nephew and some nieces, whom he enjoyed and helped whenever he could. Then his sister invited him to join her in Pensacola, Florida, and he settled into life there for over two years. The sun and surf were irresistible, and he spent many hours on the beach. He also volunteered with his sister at a local shelter and was handy around the house. He planted a garden–tomatoes and strawberries were his favorite—and once again took up woodworking. With Home Depot nearby and his tools close at hand, Jerry could often be found in the backyard shed known as “Jerry’s Place.”

Among his family and friends, Jerry was considered a great storyteller. Being in the garbage business, serving proudly in the military, coming from Polish heritage, and having a penchant for mischief, Jerry had lots of experiences that made for a good story. He was witty and sharp, a quick thinker who liked to play practical jokes. At the same time, he could be very serious and direct. He “told it like it was” and considered his opinion to be right. He could talk to anyone and often directed his attention toward the ladies. He really was a character!

On a recent trip to Arizona to visit his son, Jerry stopped in Texas to visit friends on his way home. Sadly, he passed away there on Saturday, September 3, 2011. To all who knew and loved him, Jerry will be missed as an attentive father, loyal brother, caring uncle and fun-loving friend.

Mr. Jerry Pigula, age 60 of Pensacola, Florida is survived by his son, Jeff Pigula; brother, Robert (Virginia) Pigula of Milford, MI; and by his sister, Linda Flaugher of Pensacola, FL; as well as several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 12 at 10 AM at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 628 Diamond NE. Friends and family may visit with one another on Saturday from 4-7 PM and Sunday from 3-7 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Interment in Fort Custer National Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Alfred-Washburn Center, 31 Murphy Lane, Pensacola Florida are appreciated. To read more about his life, share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com