Obituaries/Viewings
Jerome J. “Jerry” Troha | 75
Share Obituary
Jerome J. “Jerry” Troha, 75, of 623 Vermont Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Penn Highlands DuBois, after a lengthy illness.
He was born September 20, 1945, in St. Marys, son of the late John and Catherine Kadak Troha. Jerry was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1963. He earned an Associate Degree in Machining Technology from North Central in Ridgway and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tri-State College in Angola, IN. For over 30 years Jerry served as lead plant maintenance engineer of Speer Carbon and was a retired employee of Temple-Inland, Inc.
On September 25, 1971, in the St. Leo’s Church in Ridgway, Jerry married Suzanne Fabiano, who survives. Also surviving are two sons: Dan Troha and his wife Stacy of Kersey and Daryl Troha of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren: Mitchell and Madalynn Troha; and by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Susan Troha, at birth; and by two brothers: James F. Troha and Robert J. Troha. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Jerry was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) Lodge 581, where he served as Secretary and Treasurer. A member of the Friday Nite Polka Band and the Polka Boosters, Jerry often volunteered his time playing the accordion for the residents of Elk Haven Nursing Home, Pinecrest Manor, and Ridgmont Assisted Living, as well as for parties and polka masses.
Jerry enjoyed antiquing, hunting, fishing, and going to camp in Swissmont. He also enjoyed tinkering and working with his hands, able to fix almost anything. Jerry was instrumental in organizing annual garbage cleanups along Jackson and West Creek Roads.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Michael Gabler, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday morning, from 8:30 until 9:30 AM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Events
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
Suzanne & Family,
Just heard of Jerry’s passing this morning on the Sunday Morning Polka Party. I was stunned. Last time I saw you both was at the Eagles Club in Ridgway when we played. Got to know Jerry many, many years ago and always enjoyed seeing him when our paths crossed. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. Hope he took his accordion with him so when I get up there with my trumpet we can play a few polkas together!
Jerry, your passing leaves a hole in my heart that will likely never totally heal. I know you are now at peace and that gives me some comfort.
To your family, I want them to know that you were one of the best and loyal friends a guy could have.
Life is funny, it’s as if we were destined to be lifelong friends.
From the time we first met walking around the Tri-State campus with our parents in the fall of 1963, to being housed in same overflow housing facility (dorms were full), to being: dorm room mates, my fraternity Big Brother, Best Man in my wedding.
I’m gonna miss you BROTHER.
Vic
You will be missed at Elk Haven, your music put a twinkle in the eyes of my late wife Nee. Mine too!
Dan and family – I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good guy.
Sorry for your loss. God bless.
You fought a brave fight these last months, may you now find peace and rest in a much better place. Condolences to your family…
God Bless all of you. Good memories we will treasure. Love all of you. Shelley and Dave…..Jerry will be missed!!
You & your guys played for my mom & dad’s 90th birthdays 2017/19. You brought smiles & fun to the folks in the homes & your kindness & giving of your time will always be fondly remembered & appreciated.
Deepest sympathy to the family during this time of great loss. Heaven gained a special angel to join their Choir. Rest in God’s Peace Mr. Troha.
You will be missed by me and many others, we were neighbors growing up on Rettger Street. Fun times. My deepest condolences to your family.