Gerald J. Hovancik

On Saturday, October 9, 2021, Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Hovancik passed away at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born August 15, 1948, in Johnson City, N.Y. He graduated from Johnson City High School and joined the United States Army, serving a tour in Korea. He then went on to become a sheet metal worker and a member of the Sheet Metal Union, Local 112. Jerry loved rooting for Dale Earnhardt during the golden era of NASCAR and his beloved New York Giants, all while sitting in his chair with chocolates nearby. He enjoyed going for long walks around Johnson City and, when the weather didn’t cooperate, at the Oakdale Mall. His distinctive, fastpaced walk, with arms swinging vigorously by his sides, was easy to spot. He was an avid “tinkerer” and often collected gas-powered machines to restore them to their former glory. Jerry loved going on vacations with his wife, Mary, to Henderson Harbor, N.Y., Sackets Harbor, N.Y., Topsail Island, N.C., and their most recent trip this summer to Williamsburg, Va. He was known for his humble manner, hard-work ethic and kind heart. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Florence Hovancik, in-laws Thomas and Natalie Matisko, brother Norbert (Shirley) and brotherin-law Jim Smith. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 48 years, Mary, his daughter Kristen Trevorah and partner Robert Becker, and son Gerald (jay) and wife Kellie. Jerry loved spending time with his three grandchildren: Jacob, Camryn and Logan. In addition, Jerry is survived by his brother Andrew (Yvonne), sister Carol Smith, and in-laws Steve and Donna Tanzini and Tom and Jodi Matisko, along with several nieces and nephews. In lieu of funeral services, the family request that donations in Jerry’s memory to Sock Out Cancer (Binghamton) at sockoutcancer.org/donate or Soldiers Wish (Chenango Bridge) at soldierswish.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald J. Hovancik, please visit our floral store.