Birth date: Jan 18, 1938 Death date: Feb 24, 2013
Gerald Francis Kotwas, 75, of Leisure World, Leesburg, VA passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2013, in Ashburn. “Jerry” was born on Tuesday, January 18, 1938 in Rochester, New York. He was a son of the late Alphonse Sylvester Kot Read Obituary
Dear Kathy and family,
My mom and I were very saddened to learn of Jerry's passing. I know you've shared pictures of you and your family, but I always will picture Jerry as being young. That's my main memory of him in Rochester when I was growing up. My mom couldn't believe it - to her he will always be her little cousin. She remembers Jerry's first birthday party at Grandma's (we still have pictures from that day) and babysitting for Jerry and Kenny when they were little. And Jerry was the ringbearer at my mom's wedding. We send our condolences to you and our thoughts are with you. Zorah Neid (Jerry's 1st cousin) and Judith Brauch.
This video is my tribute to my Grandpa, Gerald Francis Kotwas. He was the only Grandfather I ever knew, and one of the most interesting, intelligent, good-natured, humorous (and sometimes crude) persons I have ever met. As the patriarch of my family, he will truly be missed. But I know after spending this past week with so much family that he remains fully in spirit. I love you Gramps, and I'll miss you.
-Kenny Kotwas (Little Kenny)
Dear Kathy, Larry, Kenny, Mark, Lisa, Jennifer and all your husbands, wives and cherished children. My heart goes out to all you at such a painful time. Jerry was one of a kind, he had such a brilliant mind along with the best sense of humor. I have so many, many fun memories of Jerry. One of my favorites is Jerry taking me to my first driving test. He and Kathy were visiting us in Rochester and he, being the great guy that he was, volunteered to take me to the driving test. I immediately failed this test as I drove right through a red light, which of course Jerry witnessed. After the test he took me to Don & Bobs for ice cream as he felt so bad for me. That was just his style. I spent many summer evenings (that's when they were home from college) in our sunroom with Kathy & Jerry watching TV and eating chips with blue cheese dip. These memories will be in my mind forever along with so many other favorites. Bill and I really admired Jerry and always enjoyed our time with he and Kathy. We feel so terrible for your loss, but you will always have your many wonderful memories and pictures. I found this site on google, not sure if you've seen it but it is certainly worth checking out. He was always a "superstar". "http://www.uwindsor.ca/alumni/195859-lancers-mens-basketball-team"
Love to all of you, Mary Pat & Bill Bell
Condolences to the family of a great man and my former boss. Post the start of my government career in 1983, I met Mr. Gerry Kotwas where I learned a lot from him. Back in the day when smoking was allowed inside Govt buildings, Mr. Kotwas would light a cigar when meetings were dragging-out. The cigar smell would roll a lot of peoples stomach but it was a great way to end a meeting. Adam Wysocki ---
This is especially meant for Kathy. My name is Tom Aman. My brother was Ken (Dutch to all his friends) and Dutch's best friend in the whole world was Jerry Kotwas. We grew up together in the second half of the 50's, Jerry, Dutch Herb Binsack and myself. We all attended Aquinas Institute of Rochester where Jerry and Dutch finished together in 1955, Herb and I in 1956. During those oh so important years the four of us were practically inseparable. We travelled to and from school together in Dutch's and my old 1948 Dodge -- "the Green Goose." Afterwards we gathered together in our basement for ping pong having contests in every imaginable combination of the four of us. We played basketball on the driveway, and Jerry was clearly the best of us. We were his personal rooting section whenever Aquinas played any opponent. There was never a party or school event that we did not attend together. After high school we went our separate ways, but i spent considerable time trying to locate Jerry who, i had heard, had moved to Washington with his bride. I remembering hearing that she was the sister of another Aquinas student, so was practically a relative. I spent a lot of my time in Washington also and always thought it would be great to look Jerry up; but it never happened.I am particularly saddened to finally locate him after his passing; I would have loved sharing some old memories with him. I suspect he would also. Dutch loved Jerry til the time of his untimely death 15 years ago and I never forgot him. Jerry made a distinct and memorable impression on everyone, i guess; he had real charisma. i would love to hear from you, Kathy, at some time in the future when you might care to hear some VERY old tales about Jerry. If you have the desire, you can reach me at [email protected].
Thomas Aman - 1 second ago
Dear Kathy and family. I was sorry to read about Jerry in Democrat this morning. It has been forever since we have seen each other. The video was beautiful. You have a great family. God Bless all of you. With my deepest sympathy and Love to you. Mary Beth Smalt Phelix.
