YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Jeffrey “Jeff” Andrew Jerek, 55, of Youngstown, died late Thursday, April 28, 2022, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, surrounded by his loving family.

Jeff was born August 1, 1966 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown to John “Scat” Jerek (died 2022) and Margaret Jerek.

Growing up in the Lansingville neighborhood, Jeff had a turbulent childhood being the fifth of six children, which consist of: Judy Horcharik (Steve Urish), Jim Jerek, Jeannie (Bill) Alexander, father John Jerek and Joe Jerek ( Doug Prange).

He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1984 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kent State University in 1989, where he formed lifelong friendships.

Shortly after graduation, Jeff met the love of his life Ronda (Vaughn) Jerek and they were married on December 8, 1990.

Jeff and Ronda went on to raise two successful daughters, Jennifer A. Jerek and Dr. Alyssa N. Jerek, whom he loved unconditionally and was always proud of. His wife Ronda is an optician and a recent university graduate. Jennifer is an English teacher at Brookfield High Schol and Alyssa is a MD in Virginia. They were a close-knit family who enjoyed spending time together, taking annual family vacations, playing cards, and completing home improvement projects. They have also enjoyed their many fur babies over the years, including “his wife’s” cats (Lincoln, Othello, DaVinci and Simba).

Jeff was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and a devout Catholic as a life member of St. Matthias Church in Youngstown.

Over the years Jeff has enjoyed: playing softball, going to the gym, running in the park, watching football with “the guys”, gambling at the casino, drinking Miller Lite, cooking, eating, going on cruises, the years 1980, the ocean, Lanai having lunch with Hallie and spending time with her “Forever Friends”. He also loved to spoil any animal that came his way, especially his little dog, Mildred, and his little cats (Gatsby, Gilligan, Armani, Greyson, and Ebenezer).

He had a 16 year career with Leppo Rents and enjoyed those he worked with.

Jeff was a generous person and always thought of others by constantly holding the doors open, helping out when needed, and giving up a seat when needed. He played many sports throughout his life and was a selfless teammate and athlete. He was a city man and made a friend wherever he went.

His superpower was being an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will forever be remembered, missed and loved.

Jeff’s call hours will be at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street in Poland on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Jeff’s family and friends want to honor him and his great love of sports by asking everyone who attends roll call to wear their favorite casual sportswear.

His funeral will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 5 at St. Matthias Church in Youngstown with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. before the church service.

Instead of flowers, the family asks you to spend more time doing something meaningful with those you love.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences online with Jeff’s family.

To send flowers to Jeffrey’s family, please visit our flower shop.

A television tribute will air on Monday, May 2 at the following approximate times: 6:43 a.m. on WYTV, 9:32 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX, and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV.