CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia
Gerald Jack Matcovsky
Gerald Jack Matcovsky, 68, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died at home surrounded by his loving family. "Jerry" lived a life filled with light and battled Parkinson's disease with courage, humor and grace for seven years prior to his death on June 26, 2009. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate, Anna "Ann" Dorathea Matcovsky; his children, Philip. Roseanne, and Andrea and their spouses, and his grandchildren, Samantha, K.C., Jerry, Anthony, Dylan, Remi, Tori Rose, Nic, Kristine and Kirk. He is also survived by his brother, Mitch of California and his wife, Sylvia. Jerry was the son of the late Abraham and Rose Matcovsky of Brooklyn, New York.
Jerry was born on June 21, 1941. He grew up in Brooklyn in New York City. He met his wife, Ann, when they were teenagers and married when she was 20 and he was 21. They moved to Long Island where they raised their family before moving to Charlottesville in 1988.
Jerry's interests included Harley motorcycles, gun clubs, theater, movies, good food (especially spedini), and woodworking. He had a phenomenal understanding of and empathy for animals. Jerry had a great sense of humor and loved playing jokes on his family and friends. He also loved a good vodka and collected fantasy knives. Jerry appreciated music, dancing, a beautiful home, and having friends over for dinner. He is renowned for his 4th of July celebrations when he entertained up to 60 people, dazzling them with good food and fireworks! Jerry had a great respect for all women, especially Ann, whom he encouraged and supported with enthusiastic devotion. Jerry also found great comfort and joy in knowing that Ann was his best champion. Ann referred to Jerry as a "mans man". Jerry was a role model for many young men throughout his life, showing them how to live as men with integrity and compassion. He was a surrogate father and inspiration for all young men with whom he came in contact.
Jerry was a Melchizdek priest in the State of Virginia for 17 years. During that time, he performed numerous weddings for family and friends. In keeping with the teachings of the Reverend Sandi Lee, Jerry believed it was his task to grow beyond the limits of consciousness so that he might embrace and nourish all creatures with his existence. For those who knew Jerry well, it is agreed that he accomplished this goal with goodness humility, integrity and love. He was truly a man of God. Jerry will be missed by many and loved forever by all who knew him.
A memorial service celebrating Jerry's life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2009, at Unity Church on Hydraulic Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. A reception in the Unity Community Center will follow the service. All are welcome.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
I'm sad to hear you have passed, but such a valiant, courageous fight deserves a much needed rest. I always had such a warm regard to you, Jerry, and my prayers will be with you and your family.
Love,
Theresa
Theresa Yuhn
August 16, 2009 | Troy, VA
Dearest Friend,
This fine day finds me thinking once again of you Jerry, my good friend.
Brooklyn born – you love your country, your family and above all your beloved wife Anna.
Jerry, you have no idea how I admire your fine character – your dedication and faithfulness to your life’s mate Anna, your children, grandchildren and friends.
Dear heart, you show kindness and generosity to all without...
Patricia
August 16, 2009 | Albany, NY
John Keats once wrote "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." And so ... Jerry shall forever be a joy to all of us who knew and loved him.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Jerry's family, especially Ann, during this time of great loss.
Love,
Sandy
August 15, 2009
Andrea & family-
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I just want you to know that I am thinking of you during these difficult times. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you,
Kelly Howell-Robey
August 13, 2009
Ann, Andrea and family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jerry will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Karin Gianniny
August 13, 2009 | Waynesboro, VA
One of the sweetest men i've ever known There more laughter on the other side now miss you always Ray
August 13, 2009
Jerry had a genuine love for us all; as we did for him. I thank him for his guidence, example and inspiration for my two sons. He was and remains a shining example of what a man should aspire to be. He was loving, kind, and a wonderful and thoughtful husband and father. I thank him for his genuine respect for women. He had a way of making everyone special. I, and my sons will miss you greatly. Love you Jer! (I know that you are working overtime now. The good thing is that you will...
Catherine Aubrey
August 13, 2009 | Charlottesville, VA
Jerry- I will miss you.
My thoughts and prayers I send to your family and friends who are also missing you.
Toni Barbera
August 13, 2009 | Charlottesville, VA
Jerry was an inspiration and beacon of light to us all. His influence kept us grounded and we knew we were loved in his presence. He is missed, but I also know his work is not done.
Keith Bradshaw
August 13, 2009 | Charlottesville, VA
