Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Airman second class and fought during the Vietnam War. Coming into civilian life, he enjoyed watching sports, especially NASCAR races. He was a talented and passionate furniture restorer, as well as a bona fide Mr. Fix It. There was nothing he could not fix.
For his career outside of the military, and after a brief stint at NASA, Jerry was instrumental in helping to make W. L. Gore & Associates Inc (heard of Gore-Tex) into what it is today. He worked hard all of his life and retired from Gore after nearly 35 years. He was well-loved by all that worked with him. His boss always said that Jerry was the first person he hired and the best hire he had made.
Jerry always had a kind heart and would help anyone in need. He was especially passionate about helping his fellow veterans, having been a member of the VFW before eventually volunteering at the VA well into his later years.
If you asked him how he was, he would respond with ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!’ Much to the chagrin of his children, who repeatedly told him to find a new saying, it is now a memory that will last a lifetime.
Above all else, he LOVED his family first and foremost. There was NOTHING he wouldn't do for them. He enjoyed cooking anything from simple meals to elaborate ones and most especially enjoyed preparing all kinds of beef from grilling a brisket for the entire neighborhood to preparing beef jerky for himself and his family. Anything that brought everyone together was his passion from playing games to eating his delicious cooking.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 55 years; Patricia (nee; Gier) Beranek, and his daughters; Sheila Phillips (son in law Ty Phillips), Deanna Jennings (son in law Kenneth Jennings), and Sonya Rowe (son in law Sean Rowe), as well as his grandchildren; Andrew Jennings and Miranda Beranek. He was extremely proud of his family and they were of him.
Jerry is predeceased by his siblings, Reverend Rudy Beranek and Barbara Daniels.
He will be DEARLY MISSED AND LOVED by all who knew him.
A memorial service and inurnment will take place on Monday, August 22nd at 11:00am at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims Florida.
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