Gerald Eakin

Gerald “Jerry” Eakin, 86, of Jeannette, died Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the home of his daughter, while surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born in Jeannette on November 27, 1935, the son of the late Lawrence and Marie (Altman) Eakin. For 64 years, he was the husband of Shirley Friedman Eakin, who preceded him in death on September 24, 2020. Throughout his life, he had been employed in a variety of jobs from working at Seilers Pool Hall in Jeannette, to caddying at several different golf courses, to his career employment at the Shade and Novelty where he was a glass blower. Jerry was a member of Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church in Jeannette. He was also a member of numerous clubs in the area, including the Arlington Sportsmen’s Club, where he was a lifetime member. He loved spending time at the Club’s camp in Marienville, PA where he often took his grandsons to spend quality time together. In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Some of his fondest memories include taking his nephew Larry fishing. Up until a few months before his death, he could be found spending time with friends laughing, listening to music, dancing, and enjoying his favorite beverage. He was happiest during those times as he loved being around people and never met a stranger. Dad, your family and friends raise a glass in your honor and memory. You will be greatly missed. Jerry is survived by his sister Edie Bianco of Greensburg, his brother Kenny Eakin of Greensburg; children, Carol Eakin Patton and her companion, Gary Henderson, of Jeannette, Kelley Eakin Herman and her husband, Albert, of Jeannette, Suzanne Eakin DiDonato, and her husband, Richard, of North Huntingdon, and Shari Eakin and her partner, Terese Easterday, of Chesapeake Beach, MD. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Stephen Riddle, Brandon Herman (Kim), Christian Herman, Michael DiDonato, Matthew DiDonato (Amanda), and Mallory DiDonato, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Franklin, Valerie, Ella, Myla, Maddox, Madilyn, and Shai. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society. Our family would like to extend its sincere, heartfelt thanks to Excela Health Home Care and Hospice, and specifically to Tamica Guest, for the compassionate, loving care she provided for our father and our family. Also, we’d like to extend a special thank you to Kevin Ager for being the son that our dad never had. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in the Mason-Gelder Funeral Home Inc. 201 N. First St. Jeannette. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with Pastor Susan Luttner officiating. Private interment for the family will follow the service.