Obituary of Gerald Frank Johnson

Gerald Johnson, 62, passed away unexpectedly in Akron on November 20, 2008. Born in Akron on February 9, 1946, Gerald had been a lifetime area resident. He was a graduate of Hoban High School and the University of Akron. Jerry served his country as a member of the US Army during the Vietnam War. Gerald was retired from the Sears Corp. with 32 years of service, where he worked as a district mananger. In retirement, Jerry worked in sales as a manager for Ace Hardware. Jerry was an avid reader and loved all books. He had always hoped that if his health improved, he would someday be able to teach underprivileged children how to read. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Katherine Johnson and uncle Fred Johnson. He is survived by his children Ian and Jessica Johnson of TN; soon to be born grandaughter Taylor Olivia Rose; sister Kathleen Deryck of Akron; niece Lisa Catrone and special friend Robert VanSchuyver; nephews David (Michelle) Pribonic and Michael (Stephanie) Pribonic; great nieces & nephews Paige, Noah, Caleb, and Payton, special aunt Joanne Johnson and special friend & family member Tony Catrone; special lifelong friends Larry Pribonic, John & Pat Vance, Rick Durius, the Eisele brothers, Gary Madden, Tom Knotek, Joe Beckham, and Ernie Aranyosi; as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to all of Jerry's friends. Their friendship, thoughtfullness, and love will always be remembered by his family. The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St., where a funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to the Akron-Summit County Public Library 60 S. High St. Akron, OH 44326. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com) ANTHONY FUNERAL HOME