Gerald Joseph Zlatkowski's Obituary
Gerald Joseph Zlatkowski, 83, of North Port, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 22, 2024 at The James Hospital – The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Living most of his life in Grafton, Ohio, he became a snowbird after the loss of his wife Alice in 2009, and then becoming a permanent resident of North Port, Florida in 2022. He then took his last flight back to Ohio on Angel MedFlight with his “favorite” granddaughter Melissa by his side. He was so happy and appreciative to be back home with his family for his final days, and especially seeing his great-grandchildren.
Born on May 14, 1941 to Joseph and Margaret (nee Motto) Zlatkowski, Jerry graduated from Midview High School in 1961. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Alice Ann Axx. Together they enjoyed polka dancing and hosting Sunday dinners for both of their families. A lifetime member of the United Polish Club of Elyria, they cherished going to dances and listening to his favorite polka bands with their friends. He loved working on the farm for his Aunt Theresa Kenska, and spent his career working for General Motors, before retiring after 40 plus years of service. Given the nickname of “Step and a Half” by his co-workers, he would navigate the large plants with a limp and his cane. One of his favorite stories to tell everyone was how hard he worked riding around on his tow motor!
Besides his love for telling “Santa” tales to all his young relatives and calling his cousin Frank (and Beth) Motta almost every night, Jerry’s interests included horses, gardening, boating/fishing, and sporting events. When he wasn’t traveling the roads showing the Ohio Paint Horse Club circuit and 4H with his daughter, Michele, he could be found working in his enormous garden with his mom and dad for years upon years. Hosting family dinners on Sundays was the norm, but the best dinners were family (and friends) birthday celebrations with a big pot homemade spaghetti and meatballs and going to Uncle Henry and Aunt Tess Motto’s every Christmas Eve for bacalao. He loved going fishing on Lake Erie in his boat with his brother, Gene, catching coolers full of Lake Erie perch. Once caught, it would become a family affair cleaning the fish and having Friday Fish Frys. His love of sports came to full circle once his granddaughter, Melissa, reached an age to play - he never missed a game. He would arrive so early that many times he would even beat the arrival of the team. Twizzlers were the snack of choice from grandpa to all Melissa’s teammates!
His biggest treasures were his granddaughter and great grandchildren, but also surviving are his daughter Michele (Zlatkowski) Rennie of Wellington, OH; brother, Gene (Judy Ann) Zlatkowski of Prospect, SC; granddaughter, Melissa (Drew) Basil of Upper Arlington, OH; his great granddaughter, Rennie Basil, his great grandson, Axx Basil, and friend, Antionette (Toni) Manier.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Alice (Axx) Zlatkowski, of 45 years; his father-in-law and mother-in- law, Allen, “Jack” and Dorthy (nee Molosky) Axx; and his son-in-law, Michael F. Rennie in 2022 – who he enjoyed collecting John Deere tractors with!
Family and friends are invited to Graveside Services - Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Cemetery 7284 Lake Ave, Elyria, OH. Immediately to follow will be a celebration of life luncheon at The United Polish Club of Elyria, 1501 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH for those attending and any others who may not be able to attend the services but wish to gather with the family. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Angel MedFlight, Dr. David Cohn, Derek West and the entire James ICU doctors and staff. Without their help, his family would not have been able to spend the last few days with him.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his name to: The Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, 4980 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, OH. 43017.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?
