Gerald R. "Jerry" Platt

Jerry was born May 17, 1943, in Akron, Ohio, son of Clyde and Evelyn (Fuller) Platt. He grew up in Twin Lakes, Kent, Ohio, and in his younger years was a member of the Kent Congregational Church and sang in the church choir.

After high school graduation, he joined the Marine Corps earning the rank of Sergeant in only three years. He was very proud to be a Marine and to serve his country in Vietnam, working on and repairing the Lockheed KC-103 four-engine turbo prop transport aircraft. Jerry had exceptional mechanical skills and quickly adapted to keeping the aircraft in tip-top running order.

After Vietnam, this natural ability to repair engines lead him to work for Lyman’s Chevrolet in Kent, Ohio and then later to work for Bramley’s Water Conditioning in Ravenna, Ohio. For 22 years, he was their only service man and could repair or rebuild old or used water softening units to like new. He eventually retired from Robert’s Express Trucking Co.

After being honorably discharged in 1968, he met his wife, Kathleen (Black). They married November 15, 1969 and spent nearly 54 years together living in Barberton, Ravenna and Rootstown. Jerry and Kathleen were married in the First Congregational Church in Rootstown and then attended the First Congregational Church in Ravenna. Jerry assisted in several of the youth & sporting events of the church. They also attended the First Church of God in Ravenna. He read his Bible every day.

Jerry enjoyed fishing, reading Louis L’Amour westerns, crossword puzzles, watching football and old westerns on TV. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends and attending church dinners and fundraisers.

Jerry especially enjoyed assisting with coaching his son’s little league baseball games in the Ravenna Hot Stove League.

Jerry & Kathleen, from a handful of donated books, organized and set up the Library at the Portage County Juvenile Detention Center Home. They also encouraged others to donate much needed research and reading material. Jerry stayed on for years donating his time each week to do maintenance in the newly formed library. He also donated his time at Carlin Elementary school, helping his wife in the school library and assisting teachers with paperwork when needed.

Jerry was a member at the Ravenna American Legion Post #331. Semper Fi!

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathleen, son Matthew and stepdaughter Katrina (Dan) Peyton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.

His family will receive friends at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 5pm – 7pm where funeral services, officiated by Pastor Danny Peyton, will be held on Friday at 11am. Interment and full military honors at Spencer Cemetery in Spencer, Ohio will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to True Freedom Ministries, the Portage County Animal Protective League, or the Center of Hope.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com