Gerald F. "Jerry" Tritsch

Gerald “Jerry” F. Tritsch, 90, of Butler passed away on January 11, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Hospice of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Cabot, PA.

He was born February 21, 1926 at his parent’s home on Center Avenue in Butler, the son of the late George H. and Grace Dufford Tritsch.

He retired from Armco Steel on January 31, 1986 after 33.5 years.  He worked as a Turn Foreman in the Labor Department and was known for having high standards, never being late, fair with his crew and expecting an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.  After his retirement, he spent the next 30 years, as a helper to his daughter and son-in-law at Rays Auto Sales in Butler.  

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 – 1946 as a Seaman First Class on the USS Augusta, a heavy cruiser in the European Theatre during WWII.  He was a proud member of the crew who transported Harry S. Truman to the Big Three Conference in Potsdam.  He is a member of the VFW Post 7376 in Saxonburg.  

He enjoyed the simple things in life such as watching old westerns on TV, working crossword puzzles, being outside in his yard, mowing the grass and eating pancakes at Kings.  His greatest joy and sense of pride came from being a dad to his precious children and seeing them all succeed in life.  

Jerry is survived by his children, Paula Thomas of Butler; William (Debbie) Tritsch of Saxonburg; and Dr. Joy (Eric) Peters of Zelienople; three grandchildren, Keirsten (David) Havrilesko, Feather (David) Bacher, and Fawne Thomas; four great-grandchildren, Mia and Emilee Kopp; Jacob and Jonah Bacher; and several nieces and one nephew.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Teresa M. Tritsch who he married April 26, 1952; one daughter, Gail Frances; his son-in-law, Dean Thomas, and his brother Robert.  

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, at 11:00 a.m., at the Funeral Home. Pastor Jack Hartman, will officiate. Entombment will be the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery, Butler.

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