Gerald F. Bocian's Obituary
Gerald F. Bocian, age “I’m 86 today”, passed away Wednesday evening following a long illness. He was born on July 12, 1925 in Chicago, IL to Frank & Berenice (Koch) Bocian. Jerry was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, serving aboard the USS Silversides. Following the war, he played professional baseball with minor league teams associated with the New York Yankees. Jerry was a pilot, an avid bowler, traveler and golfer. He was a life member of VFW Post 3195 and the Knights of Columbus Council 706. Most of his adult working life was spent in the interstate trucking industry; he was co-owner of the Chicago-Miami Terminals. He married the former Kay Homoly in Muskegon on May 29, 1993. Jerry is survived by: his wife, Kay; eight children, Christine (Marvin) Lanzel, Paul Bocian, Donna Saculla (Mark Dahme), Garry Bocian, Janine (Thomas) Harder, Christine (Bernie) Wade, Rick (Debra) Homoly and Cindi Kirchenbauer (Scott Hegbloom); 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 3 sisters, Dolores Lapota, Colette Buis and Alice (Robert) Stake. He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Bernadine and son, Neil. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, Rev. Fr. Anthony Britto presiding. Military Rites: will be held under the auspices of VFW Post 3195 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at: The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100, 5-8 P.M., Monday. Memorial Contributions: Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum, USS Silversides.
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