Gerald Franklin Noga, affectionately known as Jerry, of Clovis, California, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at the age of 81, following a courageous battle with liver cancer. Born on January 8, 1943, Jerry lived a life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful service to others.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran and educator, celebrated for his spontaneous wit, warm heart, and steadfast loyalty to friends and family. A proud Vietnam War veteran, Jerry served his country with honor, exemplifying bravery and resilience throughout his life. He was fortunate to stay connected to a wonderful group of men he met while attending Army Officer Candidate School (OC 504-68).
Following his military service, Jerry dedicated himself to education, shaping young minds as a math teacher for an impressive 41 years, which included volunteering in elementary classes during his retirement. His classroom was a place of inspiration, where he enriched countless lives with his wisdom, compassion, and memorable storytelling. His students often recalled his engaging lessons and humor with fondness, carrying his impact far beyond the school walls. For many years, he spent Fall Friday nights as the “Voice of the Clovis High Cougar Football Team”, relishing in shouting over the mic, “Touchdown Cougars!”
A passionate sports enthusiast, Jerry was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, and Golden State Warriors. When he wasn’t cheering on his teams, he pursued his own athletic interests with zeal, enjoying golf at Belmont Country Club, playing tennis, and participating in a local bowling league. He also had a keen mind for card playing, often competing at the Bridge Duplicate House in Fresno.
Jerry’s incredible sense of humor and gift for storytelling brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. His jokes, infectious laugh, and ability to form deep connections endeared him to so many. He spent his life cultivating and treasuring relationships. Whether lifelong friendships, friends from Fresno State’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, or new acquaintances, Jerry had a way of making others feel special and valued.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Frank Noga, his mother, Bernice Taforo Noga, and his sister, Joyce Noga Imbach. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Noga; his devoted daughters, Paige Noga and Kristin Iarussi; his son-in-law, Ryan Iarussi, and his cherished grandson, Jaxon Iarussi. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Noga (Paula), and sister, Janice Noga-Speace (Oscar), along with an extended family and a wide circle of friends who will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Jerry’s honor at the Clovis Veteran’s Memorial Building on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Service details will be shared soon. In the meantime, condolences and memories can be shared through this website.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to either Central Valley Honor Flight, c/o Central Valley Community Foundation,1260 Fulton Street, Suite 200, Fresno, CA 93721; cvhonorflight.org/donate-now/ or George Mark Children’s House, 2121 George Mark Lane, San Leandro, CA 94578; georgemark.org or Gerald "Jerry" Noga Scholarship Student Fund, c/o Clovis High School, 1055 Fowler Avenue, Clovis, CA 93611. Make check payable to Cougar Foundation - memo line Gerald Noga Scholarship; clovisusd.revtrak.net
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
2Timothy 4:7
