Obituary Detail
December 22, 2023
Jerome "Jerry" Gladysz, Age:81
Jerome “Jerry” Gladysz passed away, surrounded by family, on December 22, 2023. Jerry was loved by so many and held many dear to his heart. He trusted without doubt, he laughed without hesitating, he cracked jokes daily, if not hourly, and he loved without boundaries. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend.
Jerry was born in Cleveland, Ohio in September, 1942 and was the youngest of five brothers - Richard, Larry, Norbert and Francis. Jerry graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland and became an officer in the U.S. Army and served as a helicopter pilot in the First Calvary during the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam, he earned several honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After Vietnam, Jerry was stationed in Mineral Wells where he was a flight instructor. It was then that he met and fell deeply in love with his wife of 55 years - Pamela. They had 2 daughters, Melanie Davis and Meredith Miner. Meredith and her husband Chris, have 3 children – Morgan, Christopher Jerome “C.J.” and Madison. To them, Jerry was their “Poppy”.
Jerry was bad to the bone. With a nickname like “Ox” – you have to be! He had the most memorable voice – an articulate baritone, and partnered with a charismatic personality, made him easily discernable in a crowd. He loved to play tennis, golf, hunt, snow ski, travel and write. Jerry had a commendable career in marketing and public relations and started his company, Market Relations, in 1992. He also was passionate about learning and he received his Executive MBA from Texas Christian University in 2005. His true passion had to be writing. He published 3 books – two for Taos Ski Valley and his final book called Dying to Fly was published in 2020.
Jerry will be missed for his laughter, his love and most importantly, his spirit. Jerry will be honored Friday, January 26, 2024 at the DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas at 10:30 am. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following at noon at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Vietnam War Museum in Mineral Wells, TX in his name. (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thenationalvietnamwarmuseum)
Condolences
Karon hill January 17, 2024
Friend Austin , Texas
I wish that I had known him personally He seems larger than life. My heart goes out to his family. I know that they will cherish all the memories they have with him.
Pam Gibson January 18, 2024
Friend ARLINGTON , Texas
My heartfelt condolences to all. He was definitely larger than life & most interesting person to talk with. I have so many memories of our children when they were young. I was always in awe of the love he so openly showed for Pam. Jerry was certainly one of kind & will be missed terribly. My prayers for his beautiful family. Much love, Pam Gibson
Pam Gibson January 18, 2024
Friend ARLINGTON , Texas
My heartfelt condolences to all. He was definitely larger than life & most interesting person to talk with. I have so many memories of our children when they were young. I was always in awe of the love he so openly showed for Pam. Jerry was certainly one of kind & will be missed terribly. My prayers for his beautiful family. Much love, Pam Gibson
ROGER LATHAM January 18, 2024
Friend and admirer Fort Worth , Texas
I am among the fortunate few to have had the opportunity to know some authentic war heroes. Jerry Gladysz was one of them. It was a distinct pleasure to have shared with him the love of aviation and writing stories about the allure. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of our beloved Fort Worth.
Darrell Duane Bartell January 18, 2024
Fellow Writer Fort Worth , Texas
My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Jerry. You will be missed.
Andrew Espinosa January 18, 2024
Fort Worth , Texas
I am grateful to have known Jerry. He was always kind and encouraging.
Michael Bumagin January 18, 2024
Friend and fellow Army Veteran BENBROOK , Texas
As a friend who helped Jerry edit DYING TO FLY, I will miss his cheerful presence and his regular contributions to the Fort Worth Writers Group. He's watching us from the whirlybird in the sky!
Michael Bumagin January 18, 2024
Friend and fellow Army Veteran BENBROOK , Texas
As a friend who helped Jerry edit DYING TO FLY, I will miss his cheerful presence and his regular contributions to the Fort Worth Writers Group. He's watching us from the whirlybird in the sky!
Nigel Blackwell January 19, 2024
Friend and fellow writer Benbrook , Texas
Jerry was a real character. I remember looking at his medals as he relayed flying so low on a rescue mission the skids of his helo were bouncing off the rooftops of huts. You don’t just need to be brave to do that, you need a solid conviction in your abilities, and Jerry had it in spades.
Donald Yandell January 20, 2024
Friend Natural Dam , Arkansas
Holy Family church softball team...Jerry would warm up with the hardest,burning fast pitches.My glove smoked.Enjoyed visits at my dental office.Remenber being godfather for Pam and Jerry first born.
Amy Gray January 20, 2024
Niece Lawrence , Kansas
Dear Aunt Pam, Melanie and Meredith, Wishing you comfort at this sad time. He definitely was charismatic! Perfect word to describe him. I know he will be sorely missed. Much love, Amy
Brenda Patriarca January 22, 2024
Friend Fort Worth , Texas
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Jerry sounded like and amazing man who lived a full life. May you all be comforted by your wonderful memories.
Don Huffman January 23, 2024
Crowley , Texas
Expressing deep appreciation for the US Army Vietnam (Helicopter pilot) Service of Lt Jerome Stephen Gladysz for our nation. Prayers are ascending to heaven for comfort for his family and many friends in their loss. May he rest in his new “heavenly deployment” with his Creator and preceding loved ones. Don Huffman Army Vet (Capt) and Dallas Honor Guard member.
Lanny Julian January 24, 2024
Fellow Vietnam Pilot Lakewood Ranch , Florida
I was in the same unit in Vietnam as Jerry, A Co., 229th Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Air Cav, 1966-67. He was a great guy, brave and trustworthy behind the stick. His creativity stood out and it was no surprise that he wound up using it in marketing and advertising. He will be missed by all of his fellow pilots. Our sympathies to the family.
Keith Bodine January 25, 2024
Friend Pasadena , Texas
I flew with Jerry several times as his door gunner in Vietnam with “A” Company, 229th Assault Helicopter Co. Jerry was one of those pilots you never had to worry about anything, no matter the situation. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed. God Bless.
Laura Nash January 25, 2024
Friend Burleson , Texas
Love to all. Sweet man Sweet family
Lisa Hartman January 29, 2024
Friend Colleyville , Texas
Prayers 🙏 and respect
