Gerald G J "Jerry" Smith

Gerald Gordon James “Jerry” Smith, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother

Portville- Gerald Gordon James “Jerry” Smith, of Portville, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on July 10, 1941, in Bradford, PA, the son of James H. and Katherine T. Pockalny Smith. On July 13, 1963, in District Heights, MD., Jerry married his loving wife of 61 years, the former Sharon Ruth “Sherry” Robey, who survives.

Jerry attended Portville Central School and graduated with “The Class of 1959,” which he was very proud of. Jerry served with the United States Air Force from Jan. 25, 1960, to Jan. 24, 1964, and was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, MD., where he attained the rank of Airman First Class. One of his proudest moments was participating in President John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

He began a career in automobile sales in 1964, and worked for several dealerships over 25 years, including John Hardy Chev., Paul Brown Dodge, and Meyer-Barnard Chev. In 1991 Jerry purchased Top Quality Products and began selling janitorial supplies, industrial chemicals, and paper products. He sold the business and worked for the new owner until 2021.

While working his full-time jobs, he also found time to work part-time for his family-owned oil business. He drilled several wells and pumped crude oil for over 20 years with his cousin Ron Smith.

Jerry was a member of several service clubs including; a life member of Portville American Legion Post # 814, a life member of Cuba VFW Post # 2721, St. Stephens Club of Olean, and many years as a member of the Olean Eagles Club.

Jerry was an avid sports fan, including coaching his sons in little league baseball. He also enjoyed bowling, golf, and slow-pitch softball. His favorite teams included the Buffalo Bills & Sabres, Cleveland Indians & Browns, St. Bonaventure & N. Carolina basketball, and Notre Dame football. Jerry also enjoyed spending time with his family and spent many years vacationing at Sylvan Beach NY, Southern Maryland, and Myrtle Beach, SC.

Jerry leaves behind his loving wife, Sherry; 3 children, Tim (Bonnie Babcock) Smith, Paul (Laura) Smith, and Brenda (Joaquin) Rodriguez; 11 grandchildren, Josh, Kristin, Kylee, Emily, Zander, Abby, Chad, Crystal, Chasity, Valeria and Vanessa; 5 great-grandchildren, Lilly, Amon, Austynn, Robert and JJ; a sister, Marilyn Forness; and a special aunt, Aunt Stella; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service is planned for June, date and time to be announced.

Memorials if desired may be made to The Portville American Legion Post 2721 or The Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkinson.org/

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St, Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com