Gerald DeLooze
Gerald DeLooze, 82, of Solon, Ohio, returned home March 30, 2025.
Gerry’s angels in heaven include his parents Nathaniel and Genevieve, brothers Ken and Bob, sister Clare, nephews Dale and Tom, niece Jennifer, and numerous other family and friends. Gerry’s earth angels include his love-you-forever wife of 59 years Carol, son Michael (Susan), daughter Laura Iwanycky (Mark), granddaughter Allie DeLooze Deriso (Daniel), sister Fran Leisz (Joe), and many nieces and nephews.
Gerry proudly taught high school drafting and home maintenance in his hometown of Garfield Heights for 3 decades, retiring in 1993. He was also a driving instructor at the school. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University. When he returned to KSU to earn that master’s degree, while also teaching full-time, ‘the wife’ typed all his papers, on a typewriter, earning her own honorary degree.
Serving as president, vice president and chairperson of the Garfield Heights Credit Union over 42 years until retiring in 2015 was an honor for Gerry. He also served as a president of the Garfield Heights Teacher’s Association for many years.
Known for always helping his neighbors, Gerry took on numerous projects over the years, including building decks and swimming pools during the summers; and fixed many a lawnmower, snowblower and really any appliance for friends and family. Gerry enjoyed gardening, boating, fishing for walleye, water skiing (not in recent years…) and watching all the sports. But what Gerry enjoyed most, and was most proud of, was his family. He made that well known, and loved to brag about his wife, kids - including kids-in-law, and granddaughter. Grandpa was a dedicated fan for years at his granddaughter’s softball games (as well as volleyball, and carpet-basketball games…); where he was always cheering in the stands for his kids’ baseball and volleyball games as well. The man supported his loved ones fiercely. And he proclaimed his love sincerely and regularly, directly to his family.
A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held this summer, with details to be shared at a later date. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday July 5th, 2025, 4:00pm, at St Monica Catholic Church in Garfield Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations for Hospice of the Western Reserve are suggested.