Jerome Francis Kobos passed away peacefully on October 30, 2020 after a short battle with Liposarcoma. He was born in Buffalo, NY to his parents Frank Kobos and Alfreda Grzedzielski Kobos. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Debra Michulka Kobos, his son Michael and wife Kimberly, his daughter Christine and son Bryan. He is also survived by his granddaughter McKenzie, who brought him so much joy. Other loved ones surviving him are his sister Carol Miller, his brothers Robert Kobos and Thomas Kobos and wife Julie. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, cherished friends, and his very loved and spoiled puppies Lexi and Lola.
Jerry attended Transfiguration Catholic School in Buffalo, NY. He was an Altar Boy and since his family lived almost next door to Transfiguration he was called upon quite often to do his Altar Boy duties. Jerry graduated from Hutchinson-Central Technical High School where he worked on one of the first computers. This love of programming continued during his years of college at the State University of New York at Buffalo where he was awarded a scholarship and received his BA in Mathematics. During college, he played the accordion and sang in the “Hi-Lites” band to help with college expenses. He loved to serenade Debbie with his beautiful songs and sometimes even to his coworkers. After college, he volunteered in the Air Force where he served for four years during the Vietnam War as a Ground Power Technician and was honorably discharged.
He eventually wanted to get away from all of the Buffalo snow and made his way to Houston, Texas and began work at Systems Application Engineering, Inc. (SAE) where he met the love of his life and future wife Debbie. His career spanned for over 40 years as a Computer Programmer, Systems Analyst, Network Designer and Systems Integrator.
Jerry was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for over 25 years. He served as Advancement Chairman for Troop 1631 and was instrumental in promoting many scouts to the highest rank of Eagle Scout, including his two sons, Michael and Bryan. He received the Scoutmaster Silver Award and the Tomahawk District Award of Merit. He also taught several Merit Badges – Auto Mechanics, Computers, Rifle Shooting, and Citizenship in the Nation. He was a serious student of the Constitution and the operation of our Republic. He stayed informed on current events as well as being well-grounded on the duties, obligations and rights of citizenship in this nation. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Texas State Rifle Association.
Jerry also coached Little League Baseball and Basketball for many years. He was a wonderful pitching and batting coach. In fact, he took a batting lesson himself from Ted Williams. In between all of his sons’ sports he always made time to make each and every one of Christine’s gymnastics meets. He always encouraged her to go for it and to always “picture it in your head”. He was so proud of his children and their accomplishments. They were his pride and joy.
Jerry enjoyed fishing immensely. He was always a “catch and release” kind of guy. He made several trips to Lac Seul in Canada with his brother, Bob. Those were special trips for him, not only for the fishing but for making wonderful memories with his brother.
Jerry was a big brother to his only sister Carol. He was instrumental for her love of music as he played the accordion and frequently allowed her to choose the music he would practice. In recent years Jerry, Debbie and his siblings and their significant others went on Caribbean cruises and trips to Riviera Maya. Jerry, Debbie and the kids made many Spring Break ski trips to Park City. They also enjoyed family trips to Niagara Falls, Las Vegas, New York City, Washington DC, Disney World, cruises to Cozumel, and just relaxing at Padre Island and Galveston. Their most special trip was to Fatima, Portugal where they visited and prayed at the Shrine and Chapel of Apparitions where our Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the three little shepherds.
Jerry was the ultimate family man. Family was always first with him. He was always there for all of us and will be immensely missed. He was a man of character and he was a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jerry and Debbie have been members of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land for over 35 years. We are confident that he is now in Heaven and reuniting and celebrating with his deceased family members and friends. He loved to dance so we are certain that he is already dancing with the Angels!
There are no services scheduled currently due to COVID. However, we plan to have a Mass of Celebration of his Life in early Spring 2021 at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land.
Until we meet again, rest in peace Jerry. We don’t know how we are going to go on without you. You were loved so much by so many. My darling husband and father to our children, please save a place for us with you in Heaven.
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