Gerald "Jerry" Boggs

Gerald (Jerry) Boggs

January 15, 1934- June 15, 2024

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and community member, Gerald (Jerry) Boggs, passed away peacefully on June 15th at the age of 90.  Jerry is survived by his 3 forever grateful daughters, Anita Ferut (John), Carol Boggs (Laurel) and Kristi Boggs (Chris).  He is preceded in death by Jo Ann (2023), his wife of 66 years, son Douglas Alan (1978) and sister Lois (2022).  

Jerry cherished and celebrated his loving 5 Grandchildren, Erin Jew (Jason), John Ferut (Hayley), Oscar Ferut (Meagan), Grace Stec (Graham), Lucy Ferut and was given the gift of 8 Great Grandchildren; Amelia, Elsie, Daniel, Samuel, Mitchell, Reid, Harrington and Charlotte.  Jerry will be deeply missed by his dear sisters-in-law Janet Roberts (Raleigh, NC) and Fran Snyder (Barberton, OH).

Jerry had an outstanding high school football career, graduating from Ravenna High School in 1951. He continued his football and education at Baldwin Wallace University, where he met the love of his life Jo Ann. The couple married in 1957 and Jerry started his teaching and coaching career at Doylestown High School.  As an Assistant his presence made an impact, celebrating a string of 20 straight football victories and a 

State Runner-up in Baseball.  Six years later, they moved their family to Fredericktown, where he posted a record of 52-15-2, in his 7 years as a Head Football Coach. In 1966, juggling teaching, coaching and their young children, Jerry earned his Master of Education from Kent State University.

In 1969, Jerry and Jo Ann relocated to Berea to raise their children amongst their beloved college friends, known as the Berea Gang.  He took the helm as Head Football Coach at North Olmsted High School, a coaching run, in football and baseball that would last 18 years, ending with an Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame induction. Jerry couldn’t quite retire in 1987 and went on to join the Football staff at his Alma Mater, Baldwin Wallace.  

Jerry was always on call, helping those that needed something fixed in the neighborhood, a lawn trimmed, or a room built on.  He was a skilled tradesman and loved the art of building, most certainly if it meant helping someone.  Jerry was committed to the United Methodist Church of Berea, through gifts of service to the community and UMCOR, helping those in the south through devastating damage at the hands of Hurricane Katrina.  

The loss of his caring spirit, friendly demeanor and kind heart will be felt by all who knew him.  

Please join us in the celebration of Jerry’s life at the United Methodist Church of Berea, on Saturday, July 20th at 11am, with a meal of fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Hanson House TBI Clubhouse (hansonhouseberea.com), in Jerry’s memory.

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