Gerald Edward Kadansky

Jerry Kadansky, 89, of Phoenix, Arizona went to be with God on Thursday, January 4th, 2024. How do you sum up the life of a man like Jerry in just a few paragraphs? We’ll start with his birth in Chicago, Illinois on January 16, 1934 to Joe and Emma Kadansky. Jerry was a brother to Richard and Dorothy (Recchia). He may not have invented the Crew Cut hair style, but he wore it well in his teenage years. He was a prankster, fantastic basketball player and a good friend to many before graduating from Calumet HS.

After High School, Jerry got involved in the construction industry, starting as a laborer hauling brick, block, mortar and scaffolding. He couldn’t believe he could work outside, get a tan and get paid at the same time. His early days as a laborer quickly turned into his own construction company. Business, Residential or Commercial, Jerry was the man to call to get the job done!

While still running his construction business, he built his own Restaurant, “The Sandwich Man” in 1969 in Chicago Ridge, IL (with Business partner Ted Schaal) and would later add “The Other Side” Lounge. But the harsh and brutal Chicago winters took their toll and Jerry decided, in 1979, to sell the restaurant, pack up his level and trowel, and move to Phoenix, AZ. It didn’t take long for Jerry to establish himself as the man you called if you wanted a project done professionally, under budget and on time! All total, Jerry’s career in construction lasted a whopping 68 years, from 1952 to 2020. From renovating Dairy Queen restaurants to his other commercial and residential projects, Jerry left his mark and legacy on the landscape of the Phoenix area. When asked about some of his favorite projects over the years, Jerry always listed his work for the Arizona Humane Society as his crown jewel.

To say Jerry was a sports enthusiast would be the understatement of the year! Jerry spent his time playing/enjoying: Basketball, avid skier, golfer, ping pong player, tennis, wheelchair Pickleball, chess, karaoke/singing, painting, Toastmasters, sky diving, Bear Claws from Karl’s Bakery and coaching.

Most importantly, Jerry loved his family. Jerry and Connie met in 1985 and were married on March 1, 1987. Jerry has five children from a previous marriage. Three precious pups also had a special place in Jerry’s life – Emma, Sport and Coco.

When Jerry “retired” in 2020, at 86, we knew he would not be satisfied just to sit around and play chess all day. That worked for about a week when, through a series of events, he wound up on the doorstep of Ability360. They are an organization that assists people of all ages and types of disabilities. Jerry wanted to play Pickleball, but he needed a wheelchair to accomplish that task. Ability360 met that need and much more. Jerry introduced his relentless approach to life and challenges, and Ability360 met his energy. Even though he struggled to walk without his walker, Ability360 helped Jerry swing a golf club, swim, and play pickleball, tennis and basketball. This fantastic organization helped Jerry become a better husband, father, and person. Jerry brought the game of Chess into Ability360, and it’s turned into a regular gathering of adults and kids who love the game. Among the players are people Jerry has taught, and coached, to share his love of Chess.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Connie, his five children, Julie (Rick) Weidenaar (CO), Kathy (Dan) Larson (MN), Lisa Berkowitz (IL), Gary (Leisha) Kadansky (MN), Jean Whitford (IL), 9 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Services for Jerry include a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 14, from 11a to 12:30p at Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, 5031 E Washington ST, Phoenix AZ. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, January 16, at 4p (visitation at 3p) at TSG Foundation Center for Spiritual Development, 8685 E Stagecoach Pass Road, Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ability360 in Jerry’s name at: https://ability360.org/donate/