I only had the opportunity to spend a few summers getting to know Gerry. He was definitely a character. He had a hard shell that if you didn’t pay attention, you could miss the softer side of him except he couldn’t help but show it. When he spoke of his family, he did so with such love. He liked to pretend that he was a tough guy, but he also shared his heart in a way that showed he was a family guy! He loved his Naturs’s Way family (which is where we met him). Before we joined, you could see how they took care of each other. Dinner was planned as to who would take care of what. And when we were able to join, we enjoyed being part of the family as well. Gerry and I shared low carb meals and, one of my favorites, keto pound cakes. Gerry was a beautiful soul. Snarky, short and to the point sometimes but loving. I was devastated and shocked to hear of Gerry’s passing. I feel like I am still waiting to go back to the RV park and see him there. I am grateful for the time we got with him and send prayers and condolences to his family. ♥️♥️

Even though Gerry wasn’t from Utica, IL, he sure did become a regular here at Skoog’s Pub & Grill! He would come in Wednesday and Thursday evenings when he was staying out at the campground. His quick wit, sense of humor and wise knowledge was something we will always remember about him! Gerry was kind and caring and easily became friends with the locals. & he definitely taught more than one of us employees how to make a “perfect martini.” 
We are all so lucky that our lives crossed paths with Gerry. He will always be in our hearts here in Utica, IL.
Deepest sympathy & caring thoughts are with his family and friends during this sad time.
Love always, his many friends at Skoog’s pub and Grill in Utica ❤️

My heart goes out to you the whole family. Remember all the good times and celebrate all the happy memories. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 🙏🏻 ❤️
Jim Murray

Words cannot convey the shock & sorrow that we feel upon learning of the passing of Gerry. We keep expecting his truck to roll in to the campground, particularly on Wednesday's so he can order the Chicken Wings he loved from Skoog's. Gerry was one of the first campers to reach out in friendship to us at the campground. He always had a smile and friendly advice on how to train our dogs. He was Nature's Way very own dog whisperer! He readily helped out anyone needing a hand. He will be missed not only by us, but also by Takoda, who always looked for him when we came to the campground. Our sincere condolences to his family.

I am truly sorry for your loss.  There wasn’t a time that I didn’t see a smile on Gerry’s face when he was at his happy place.  I am still looking for him around the campfire doing a crossword puzzle.  Gerry will be missed!

So sadden to learn of the passing of Jerry.  I worked with Jerry as a Crime Scene Investigator, dedicated public servant, always a joy to be around.  You will be missed!

2000 characters are not enough to share all the great memories and times we had with Gerald. We are thankful we had him with us for 17 years and there will not be a day that goes by that he is not thought about. He was a huge part of our Utica family.
He is loved by so many and will be so missed.  Our wounded hearts go out to his family and we are thankful you were all able to unite here (his happy place) for his final family reunion. Love to you all and Cheers to Gerry.

Jerry was such a great guy. We always loved being around him and hearing his funny and interesting stories. He brought a lot of joy, and we’re really going to miss him. Jake and Jess

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains.  Gerald will be remembered at the next Police Mass.

In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God!   [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

Deepest sympathy to the Poradzisz family! 

Gerry and I met and became partners 30 years ago while in the CPD 10 District. We remained great friends ever since and he became part of our family, spending numerous holidays and family events with us! Gerry was a great conversationalist and we always enjoyed his stories about his European and domestic travel, and his extensive knowledge of Bourbons from all over the world. For the longest time Gerry and I made it a mission to go out for dinner at least 2-3 times a month and many times it was more than that! I will surely miss our talks and debates about a wide range of subjects. Gerry was one of the most generous person we knew, who never refused when asked a favor or help with something.  Gerry my friend, we all love and will miss you!

We already miss sitting around the campfire with you, drinking bourbon and playing crossword puzzles. We love and miss you Gerry.

OBITUARY

Gerald Francis Poradzisz

November 14, 1955 – July 30, 2025

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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