Gerald Walter Oneski

Gerald Walter Oneski “Wally-O”, “Wally”, “Jerry”, a man known for his sharp mind, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved, is "present with the Lord", leaving behind a legacy of humor, generosity, and quiet strength.

Born with athletic talent, Wally-O made his mark early on the basketball and baseball courts of St. Florian High School, and the football field as well. His skill on the diamond was so exceptional that he caught the attention of a St. Louis Cardinals scout while playing at Briggs Stadium, which would later become Tiger Stadium. But Wally, true to form, chose a different path. He always marched to the beat of his own drum, grounded in his priorities and a deep sense of self. He proudly served his county during the Vietnam War.

Jerry was never short on jokes. Clever comebacks were his specialty, and there was hardly a moment he couldn't lighten with his signature humor. But behind the wisecracks was a deep thinker. He was someone who spent a lot of time observing the world, reflecting, analyzing, and trying to make sense of it all.

He found peace in fishing, especially aboard his beloved fixer-upper boat, proudly named the "O Boy’s" after himself and his two sons, Christopher and Marcus. It was just one of many ways Jerry tied his love for his family into everything he did. When the boys were younger and in sports, Jerry was always right there on the field, court, or baseball diamond with them; whether that be coaching, or being a proud dad, he was there.

He shared a bond with his brother Ron. He would always make a quick phone call down to Florida to check in on his family. That was just who he was.

A true jack of all trades, Jerry could fix anything: electrical issues, broken toys, you name it. If someone in the family had something that wasn’t working, he’d be the first to know and the first to show up. He was always working behind the scenes to make sure everyone had what they needed, often without ever asking for thanks. He also carried that mentality into his work at Local 324 Operating Engineers where he was a skilled heavy machinery Industrial Engineer for machinery used in concrete pouring for 25 years. Jerry was sent to be trained in the new and upcoming technology coming to his field soon, and when he got back to work, he implemented everything he learned, and trained many of his colleagues. He always made sure that the job was going to run smoothly, and efficiently.

He also listened, really listened. Whether someone needed advice, a second opinion, or just someone to sit with in silence, Jerry was there.

His faith was deep and unwavering. Even when his health declined later in life, his daughter-in-law, Nicole, made sure he received communion every Sunday, knowing how much it meant to him. Her care allowed him to hold onto that important part of his life when it became harder for him to achieve it on his own.

Jerry Oneski was a man who gave more than he took, who saw problems as puzzles to solve, and who showed his love not with grand gestures, but with constant, quiet acts of service. He leaves behind a family who will carry his spirit forward—with laughter, with faith, and with the stubborn determination to fix what’s broken.

A warrior of God, loving father, and grandfather.

He is preceded in death by parents, Walter & Mae Oneski.

Adored father to Marcus Gerald (Nicole Ann) Oneski Sr. and Christopher Gerald Oneski. Loving grandfather to Sophia Anne-Marie Oneski, Marcus Gerald Oneski Jr., and Raquel Jean-Marie Pages. Treasured siblings; the late Christine (the late Zip) Zimmerman, Ron (Linda) Oneski, the late Beverly Ross, and Barbara (Warren) Studley; Loving Sita and Mother, Lin-Marie.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236. Military Honors will occur at 6:00 PM, followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM.

An instate will occur Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 467 Fairford, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 with the funeral mass to begin at 10:00 AM