Jerry Major USMC Ret Piatt

1936 - 2018

Piatt, Jerry, Major, USMC Ret Chelsea, Michigan Age 82, passed away Friday, September 14, 2018 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born March 30, 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Kenneth R. & Harriet J. (Stofer) Piatt. Jerry was a Naval Aviator who served in the US Marine Corps and Reserves from 1953 - 1983. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Jerry was a flight instructor at Pensacola Naval Air Station (Whiting Field) from 1968-70. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, and a scout leader in Cub Scout Pack 455 and Boy Scout Troop 476. Jerry was a loving grandfather. He could often be found sitting on the front porch with his dogs. Jerry enjoyed camping, going up North, and keeping in touch with his Marine Corp friends. On Feb. 2, 1968, he married Patricia A. Blaznek in Chelsea, and she survives. Other survivors include one son, John Kenneth (Jenny) Piatt; two grandchildren, John B. and Avery Piatt, all of Chelsea; a sister, Phyllis Stepp of Howell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth, and four sisters, Shirley Johnson, Betty Wahl, Mary Lou Brown, and Minnie Mae Erskine. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Sept. 19, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Tuesday from 3-7 pm, and at the church from 10-11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Michigan Humane Society.