Jerome "Jerry" Marek

Jerome “Jerry” Marek, 79, passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2026, exiting this world in a way that would’ve made him smirk — just like his mom. Born on September 25, 1946, he carried a personality impossible to forget. He was a Vietnam veteran and a lifelong Catholic.

He is survived by his former wife, Laurie; his children Adam, Amanda and her husband Jeremy, and Ashley; and his grandchildren Wyatt, Harper, Raylan, and Sawyer. He is also survived by his sisters Dolores, Barbara, and Cyndi, and his brother Marty. He leaves behind his favorite nephew Robbie, whom he spoke with often and loved like a son, as well as his granddogs Red and Rubble. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary; his father, Adam; his sisters Jackie and Priscilla; and his granddog Ryder.

He leaves behind a family who tolerated his quirks and will forever tell stories about the man who filled every room he walked into. He was the kind of character everyone had a story about — always memorable, always himself. Earlier in life, his greatest joy was golf, and he always enjoyed a good bourbon or a glass of wine; in retirement, his greatest joys (in short increments) were his grandchildren. He never missed a chance to make people laugh with his sharp, unapologetic, and often embarrassing humor. He lived exactly the way he wanted, ate whatever he wanted, and always said, “At least I’ll die happy.”

His sweet treats for the grandkids, surprise appearances, voicemails, and random calls about the weather — or questions about anything from recipes to how your car was running — will be greatly missed”

An interment service will be held at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, located at 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN, 37920, US. The service is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm.