Arnold E. Jerzak

PINE CITY - Arnold Eugene Jerzak, 87, of Pine City, NY was called to be with the Lord on Friday, July 8th, 2022 at home surrounded by family.

Arnie was born on May 31, 1935 in Ralston, PA to Walter and Mary Jerzak (nee Wheeler). He was the youngest of four children. Arnie grew up in Pine City, NY and graduated from Elmira Southside High School, with the class of 1953. After graduation, Arnie went to work as a school bus driver and milk man.

Arnie married, the love of his life, Jacqueline Sheive, on July 2, 1954 at the Webb Mills Methodist Church. They would spend 63 years together, until her death in March 2017.

In 1960, Arnie went to work with a former Production Engineering Manager from Thatcher Glass, by the name of Bud Powers, who had decided to start his own company. Working beside Bud in an old chicken coop, Arnie helped create a Teflon-coated dry delivery chute for the glass industry. Although, Arnie lacked engineering experience, he learned quickly and soon made himself indispensable. This company would become Powers Manufacturing, a worldwide standard in the glass industry. Arnie continued to work with Powers and ultimately Emhart Glass, as the Shop Floor Supervisor for the next 37 years, retiring in 1997. Arnie will forever be known as the first company employee. Arnie and Bud remained close life-long friends.

Arnie was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed family gatherings, dinner, picnic, or cookouts with all of his family. He would spend many hours on his farm creating fun things for the family to do, such as the “Catona Racetrack”

He was a faithful member of the South Corning United Methodist Church and after retiring was known around town for his scrap drives to raise money for the church. He and Jackie could be found at the local Caton diner, where he enjoyed the company of family, many friends and former colleagues.

Arnie loved playing music, especially the bass guitar, and was involved with several local bands. On weekends, he could be seen playing with the Rambling Hillbillies, Gene Horton and the Rocky Roads or the Country Marksmen. In later years, he would start the Good News Gospel Group, which would travel around to local retirement homes and churches, helping spread the Good news through music.

Arnie is survived by his two sons, Stanley (Pamela) Jerzak of Corning, NY and Jeffery (Missy) Jerzak of Pine City, NY; grandchildren, Melissa Bailey (Dean) of Palmyra, NY, Joshua Jerzak of Pine City, NY, Ashley Jerzak of Burlingame, CA and Erica (Brian) Flynn of Corning, NY; great-grandchildren, Luke Bailey and Henry Bailey; and several nieces and nephews.

Arnie was predeceased by both parents, his loving wife, Jacqueline; his brothers, Walter Jerzak, Jr., and Charles Jerzak; his sister, Elma Sellard.

Friends may call from 3-6 pm on Thursday, July 14th, 2022 at Olthof Funeral Home with a Funeral service honoring his life to follow. Internment will take place at the convenience of his family in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Arnie's family would like to extend a special thank you to his caretakers - especially - Al, Sydney, Caleigh and Rebecca, who made it possible for him to remain in his home.