Jerry Hill, 79, of Ashtabula, may not have been Frank Sinatra, but he certainly did it "his way." Jerry unexpectedly passed away on January 14, 2024. He was born in October 1944 to Raymond and Helga Hill in Conneaut, Ohio. Jerry graduated from Rowe Highschool in Conneaut, and following graduation, went on to serve in the Ohio National Guard. Jerry enjoyed an active lifestyle throughout his life. He played softball and basketball regularly throughout the years, and was an avid golfer. He continued to golf up until the time of his passing, and is probably starting the back 9 at that big golf course in the sky as we speak.
Jerry married Jackie Monda, the love of his life, in 1973. They were married for over 50 years. Jerry and Jackie had two children, Jason and Stacey. Following retirement, Jerry and Jackie traveled the world and took many vacations and cruises. In recent years, Jerry took pride as serving as Jackie's primary caregiver.
Jerry was proud to be a life-long Northeast Ohio resident. Following his National Guard Service, he went on to work at the Bow Socket in Ashtabula. He then went to work at East Ohio Gas Company, where he would work for over 20 years before retiring in 2000. Jerry worked long hours outdoors on gas lines, driving trucks, and running jackhammers during his time at East Ohio Gas. He rarely turned down overtime, even when working in the subzero Northeast Ohio winters. He was strong union member, and was always grateful for the benefits that union membership provided his family. He received multiple commendations for his work at East Ohio Gas. He was recognized by the city of Ashtabula for his actions in preventing a natural gas explosion.
Jerry was the grandfather of 6 grandchildren. They always brought a smile to his face, and he certainly was willing to do anything (including facials with his granddaughters) to bring a smile to their faces. He loved to attend their events whenever possible, and always had a pocket full of quarters for the bowling machine during dinners at the Crows Nest whenever they were in town. And Jerry always had a treat for everyone's family dogs – by the end of the day, the dogs looked for Jerry more than their owners!
Jerry enjoyed social time with his friends as well. Trips to the East Ashtabula Club were a part of his daily routine following retirement. Lady luck seemed to follow Jerry. He enjoyed trips to casinos. His nephew, Steve Hill, nicknamed him "Uncle Lucky"- a nickname that always brought a smile to his face. Jerry loved the Ashtabula summers. He loved to spend time in the sun and in his garden. We're still not sure how Jerry ever got that tan or how he grew his tomato plants so big. And Jerry's cars shined so much, you would have thought they were professionally detailed on a daily basis.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Helga, and recently by his brother, Richard "Dick" Hill. He is survived by Jackie, Jason and Stacey (Jon Barnard), 6 grandchildren, and 3 nieces and nephews, including Steve Hill.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, May 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the East Ashtabula Club Pavilion. Donations may be made on Jerry's behalf to the American Stroke Association at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association . Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services of Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements. www.LakeErieCrematory.com