Obituary
Gerald Joseph Rosky, 83, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, passed away at his home on August 25, 2022. Jerry was born on August 27, 1938, in East Stroudsburg, PA and adopted by his loving parents, George and Irene Rosky, who raised him in New Brunswick, NJ. He married Judith (Judy) FitzGerald in 1964 and spent every day of their 55 years together as a devoted husband until her passing in 2019. Jerry is survived by his daughter Nancy and sons Jeff and Mark (Elizabeth), along with several nieces and nephews in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Jerry was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, NJ. He then served 6 years in the New Jersey Air National Guard, including 13 months on active duty in Germany and France during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. He began his career in accounting at Union Carbide in 1962 where he met Judy, and he spent the final 26 years of his career as a budget analyst for Rutgers University before retiring with Judy to New Smyrna Beach in 1994. He took great pride in the fact that all three children were Rutgers graduates.
Jerry believed in community service and served on the Rent Control and Zoning Boards in Piscataway, NJ, where he and Judy raised their children. He also coached his daughter’s softball teams and participated in Cubs Scouts with both his boys. Jerry continued that service when he and Judy retired to Florida. They spent a number of years volunteering with Southeast Volusia County Relay for Life and with Burt Fish Hospital Auxiliary, where Jerry continued serving after his wife’s passing.
Jerry was an avid golfer and enjoyed big band music, the songs of Frank Sinatra, and laughing with friends while raising a glass of Dewar’s. He was a long-time fan of Rutgers sports, loved all things Disney, and was partial to romance and Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. He was also, as a product of the Catholic school system in the 40s and 50s, a terrific dancer. He remained a devout Catholic and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach.
Jerry’s high school friends gave him the nickname “Mr. Wonderful,” and he was worthy of that name throughout his whole life with his infectious laugh and positive outlook. While his death saddens all who knew him, he has reunited with his beloved wife Judy and his memory will live on through his family and his many dear friends from New Jersey to Florida.
A funeral mass will take place later this year at Sacred Heart, followed by interment of ashes at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. A memorial celebration to honor his life along with his love of laughter will also be held at that time. The family will notify his friends when these are scheduled.
In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his name.
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