Geraldine Elaine Dick

Geraldine Elaine (Bleasdale) Dick passed away on 6/24/2024 at 100 years, 9 months, and 10 days. Born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on September 14, 1923, Gerry grew up as a Tap Dancer, an Olympic Quality Roller and Ice Skater, Basketball Player, Cheerleader and Majorette in High School.

After graduation, Gerry worked in the office at Talon Zipper Co. in Meadville, PA, until she and Jay were married and started a family. They settled in Jacksonville, Florida in January 1957, when Jay began working full time for Seaboard Air Line RR. They were active in Woodstock Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Eastern Star, involving their children in Rainbow Girls and Demolay. After Jay passed, She & her son, John, were active in the Bell Choir at Lakeshore Methodist Church for 10 years.

Gerry loved teaching her children to dance the jitterbug while playing old 78 records of Big Band musicians. She loved the Rat Pack, especially Frank Sinatra.

Gerry worked as a key punch operator and various other office jobs (secretary for UTU, United Transportation Union for employees of the then Seaboard Coastline RR,until she became seriously interested in ceramics in 1970. She took many specialized classes and attended training seminars to enhance her skills and to become a teacher. She eventually became the manager and instructor at NAS JAX Ceramic Shop for over 10 years, until it closed. She & John then opened their own Clay Castle ceramic shop on Park St in Jacksonville, which they ran successfully until 2001, when she retired.

Gerry was an avid Braves and Jaguars fan. She also loved watching the Tennis Tournaments and Golf on TV.

Gerry was an amazing artist, crocheter and knitter, sharing her many talents and creations with her children and grandchildren.

She lived in the same home until her passing. Her son John has been her companion and caregiver for the past 20+ years.

Gerry is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Norah Bleasdale (Patterson), Husband - Jay Hedrick Dick, Son - PFC Alan Jay Dick (KIA Vietnam May 2, 1968), Infant Son, Michael, Grandson - Brian Alan Casino, Brothers - James (Mary) Bleasdale, Paul (Lucy) Bleasdale, & Sister - Betty (Gaylord) McCracken.

Gerry is survived by her Son, John Dick of Jacksonville, FL, her 3 Daughters, Terry Shevchenko of Omaha, NE, Diane Tidwell (Denny) of Jacksonville, FL, Nancy Moon (Randy) of Toomsboro, GA, 9 Grandchildren, Rhonda Clark Hutson, Kara Clark McCoy, Natasha Shevchenko Guerrero, Jeffrey Casino, Stephen Casino, Jay Tidwell, Kim Keen, Jason Nichols, & Alan Nichols, 16 Great-Grandchildren, & 8 Great-Great-Grandchildren, many cousins and friends.

Visitation for Geraldine will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Graveside services and Inurnment are set for Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 11 A.M. with a luncheon immediately following at

Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.