Jerome "Jerry" A. Wilson

Jerome “Jerry” A. Wilson, 66, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Jerry was born on June 14, 1960, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late John O. Wilson and Hazel R. Wilson (Clark). He grew up in Struthers, Ohio, where he developed a lifelong love of family, baseball, football, and music. Known for his playful spirit, quick wit, and genuine kindness, Jerry had an extraordinary ability to make friends wherever he went and to fill every room with laughter. 

Jerry was a proud graduate of Struthers High School, Class of 1978 (Go Wildcats!), where he excelled on the football field as an offensive lineman and loved "leaving a trail of destruction". He continued his football career at Youngstown State University (Go Penguins!), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management in 1983.

Following graduation, Jerry built a successful career in management, with Kmart and Valvoline before joining Summit Racing Equipment in 1999. He retired in 2022 after 23 years as a Customer Service Supervisor, where he was respected for his leadership work ethic, and ability to connect with both customers and coworkers. He was known for his ability to bring laughter to even the most stressful days.

Jerry was not only a beast on the football field or in the business world, he also was an avid power lifter. Tuesdays and Thursdays, without fail, were his lifting days. Saturdays were reserved for heavy lifting at Joe’s Gym, his dear friend and lifting pal’s basement. His talent with this sport is evident with the countless trophies. 

Another one of Jerry’s passions was his 1979 yellow and black Camaro, The “Awesome Bee”. Its sides adorned with a fierce boxing bee, the blown engine rumbling, and the wide tubbed rear tires announcing his arrival.  He often bragged that speeding tickets were often avoided by the local law enforcement’s awe of the power of “The Bee”.

July 23rd, 2016, Jerry decided to hang up his title of bachelor and married the love of his life, Lori B. Wilson (Miller). Jerry and Lori say that they were best friends and the answer to each other’s prayers. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, singing karaoke, road trips to Amish Country, vacations and making each other laugh. The past 16 years of their entire relationship was not enough. They had big plans and even bigger dreams, but Alzheimer’s stole that from them.  Although Jerry and Lori never had children of the human variety, he was the very best "Dog Dad" any pup could ask for. 

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, John T. Wilson and Brother-in-law and dear friend, Cortland Casey and great niece Kaliah Mychelle Douglass and his “good boy” Charlie. 

Left to mourn the gap Jerry’s absence left is his wife, Lori Wilson (Miller), Sisters Warnetta Milhouse, Patricia Carter, Irma Casey, and Darlene Wilson and Sister-in-law, Christine (Barry) Flesher. Jerry leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and many, many friends along with “daddy’s good girls” Gracie and Willow.

Jerry's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton. Burial at Lakewood Cemetery. Calling Hours Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.