IN MEMORY
Joseph (Jerry) Stock October 22, 1947 - October 31, 2024
Jerry's sister, Anne, sent us a note to post to the site:
"I want to let you know Jerry passed Thursday, (October 31.).
The family is in New Zealand. Our plan is to have him buried and have a memorial service some later time. I do not return until the end of November and my older sister not until the new year.”
Jane Offutt then added her thoughts .. and I input a few of my own....
Jane never quite knew, except for his deafness, the exact nature of his disabilities. Anne let us know today, he was multiply/physically handicapped including mild cerebral palsy and hearing loss.
Even though his reading level was affected and his level not as high as he would like, he had an enormous understanding of the natural world (Earth Science as we called it in 8th grade). He would walk to the Dormont Library from his Dormant home to check out books and take home as many as he was allotted.
He also had a gifted singing voice and sang with the church choir...... he was blessed .... But most of all, he was fortunate! He has 3 sisters, Lynne, Anne, and Janice who managed his care after their mother died. You may remember meeting his mom at times when she was running him from place to place.
He will be missed.
He is in the front row (left 1st person)......In case we all need a reminder of his love for reunions and his classmates. R.I.P. Jerry!!
David G. Hein
Jerry was always happy. I remember that he bought the same thing for lunch every day: cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk. Two of my favorites as well. Once a person passes through the veil separating mortality and immortality all earthly/physical afflictions are gone. I imagine Jerry singing joyfully in a heavenly choir!
Carol Machajewski (Szeg)
Jerry sat behind me in homeroom. He was always kind.
Chris Eby
Jerry was a treat, and a blessing!
Robert R. Todd
I got to know Jerry at Mellon. We had Miss Rogan (?) together and sat next to each other, her seating was alphbetical. I was a class disrupter back then. I was always getting into trouble and encouraged Jerry to do the same. One day she caught him turning off his hearing aids and shutting her out and she got exercised about it. My laughing didn't help! Could have been my idea I don't remember. At the 50th class reunion, we both laughed about it. He called me his friend and that to me was the highest compliment I ever got from anyone in our class. I never knew he could sing and regret I never heard him. He did write me and tell me he had season tickets for the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Symphony. Jerry was very special but not because he had special needs! RIP Jerry see you on the other side some day my friend!
Richard W. Fidler
Jerry had to be one of the bravest kids in the class, and we all know why. And he always bounced back. I loved it when I heard him blurt out to one of the girls (and you know who you are!)- "You're pretty!" I was a trainer for the football team and Jerry was a manager. He loved being on the field. I was surprised and deeply touched that for years he'd send me a Christmas card with a short personal note, and signed, "Your friend, Jerry." It was always great to see him at reunions.
Nancy Morris
Jerry was a special human being. I remember him calling me smiling Nancy!! RIP Jerry. Our lives are better because you have been a part of them.
Jack Watchorn
I was so saddened to hear about Jerry's passing. I truely believe he tried to hardest of anyone I knew in high school to make friends and try to socialize with as many people as possible, and we would talk "a lot (the best we could)" before and after football practice, as he was one of the manager's on the team. And in the hallways at school, it was always --- Hi Jack - Hi Jerry --- and to this day (close to 60 years later), and really because of his limited physical and mental conditions, makes me proud to have known Jerry and called him "my friend"! Will miss you Jerry.....RIP my brother!
Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)
Jerry was such an amazing person - nothing ever seemed to get him down, and his kindness contributed to all of our lives in high school. No matter what had happened to him during the day, he was always upbeat and ready for the next step, shrugging off any bad vibe. I was always happy to see him as I walked in the halls or joined him in class. I'm glad his smile will welome me when we meet again.
Martha A. Mamula
I remember at one of our reunions - I think it was the 25th - we had a softball game in the park. There were a coupke dozen people on each team, in a game that vaguely resembled softball. Jerry was the umpire. He was so enthusiastic, laughing and smiling the whole time. He actually got us all to behave! He really helped us all have a good time. What a nice guy! I'm so glad to hear he had a good family taking care of him.
David L. Crouch
I used to feel sorry for Jerry for what he did not have. Now I realize he may have had more than any of us.
Dave and Patti Crouch (Cosgrove)