Obituary of Jerome D. Spiry

Mr. Jerome D. Spiry, age 74 of Gloversville, was stricken suddenly at his home on Tuesday evening, August 19, 2008. He later passed away at the emergency room at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Jerry had undergone major surgery six weeks ago. He was born on September 8, 1933 in Java, South Dakota, a son of the late Theodore and Kathryn Schlepp Spiry. He worked on the family ranch through high school and then served in the Navy aboard the USS Juneau from April of 1952 to April of 1956 during the Korean War. Following the war he received his teacher's degree from Northern State Teacher's College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He later taught at Pierre Indian School in Pierre, SD from 1961 to 1962. He and his wife Lorraine came to the Gloversville area in 1962. Jerry then taught in South Glens Falls for one year. He later taught high school mathematics and computer science at Oppenheim Ephratah Central School for 28 years until he retired in 1991. Jerry enjoyed being known as the "South Dakota Hayshaker." He enjoyed camping and fishing and also enjoyed attending the annual reunion of the USS Juneau, which he did the past 15 years. He was a pillar in the community for family values. He traveled extensively with his wife. Jerry loved the outdoors and was proud of his service to his country. He was always there with a smile and a helping hand and will be dearly missed by all those who loved him. He wished that everyone would celebrate his life upon his death. Jerry was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments. He enjoyed attending their sporting events. Jerry had a calming way about him that always made you know things would be O.K. You always knew that you could count on him for anything. His support was always there. He was also the caretaker for the pets of the entire family. He was a member of the Johnstown Moose Lodge, the Bleecker Fish and Game Club, Gloversville VFW Post #2077 and the New York State Retired teachers Association. Jerry is survived by his wife, Lorraine L. McGregor Spiry, whom he married on August 25, 1956. Also survivng are four children, Mary Lee Conrad Daniel of Johnstown, Dale Spiry Michal Ann Swoffard of Florida, Ted Spiry Irina of Gloversville and Sandra Anadio Edmond of Gloversville; four brothers, LaReine Spiry Janice of Birch Bay, WA, James Spiry and Lynnard Spiry Cathy of Glenham, SD and Arlys Spiry Wendy of Brisbane, Australia; five grandchildren, Joshua Conrad, Dustin Conrad, Katelyn Conrad, Mikayla Rose Conrad and Darin Jerome Spiry; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerry had a very special relationship with Lashonda Gifford, who was just like a granddaughter to him. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 23rd at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday with the Reverend Claudia Britton officiating. Cremation took place at Park View Crematorium, Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 or to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.