Jerome J. “Jerry” Troha

Jerome J. “Jerry” Troha, 75, of 623 Vermont Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Penn Highlands DuBois, after a lengthy illness.

He was born September 20, 1945, in St. Marys, son of the late John and Catherine Kadak Troha.  Jerry was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1963.  He earned an Associate Degree in Machining Technology from North Central in Ridgway and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tri-State College in Angola, IN.  For over 30 years Jerry served as lead plant maintenance engineer of Speer Carbon and was a retired employee of Temple-Inland, Inc.

On September 25, 1971, in the St. Leo’s Church in Ridgway, Jerry married Suzanne Fabiano, who survives.  Also surviving are two sons: Dan Troha and his wife Stacy of Kersey and Daryl Troha of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren: Mitchell and Madalynn Troha; and by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Susan Troha, at birth; and by two brothers: James F. Troha and Robert J. Troha.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Jerry was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) Lodge 581, where he served as Secretary and Treasurer.  A member of the Friday Nite Polka Band and the Polka Boosters, Jerry often volunteered his time playing the accordion for the residents of Elk Haven Nursing Home, Pinecrest Manor, and Ridgmont Assisted Living, as well as for parties and polka masses.

Jerry enjoyed antiquing, hunting, fishing, and going to camp in Swissmont.  He also enjoyed tinkering and working with his hands, able to fix almost anything.  Jerry was instrumental in organizing annual garbage cleanups along Jackson and West Creek Roads.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Michael Gabler, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday morning, from 8:30 until 9:30 AM.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA  15857.