Gerald Chiappetta

Gerald Lawrence Chiappetta, affectionately known as Jerry to all, passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on October 24, 1934, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, Jerry was the second oldest of nine children. He lived a vibrant life filled with passion for the outdoors, writing, television and video production, and family.

Jerry graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1956 and promptly moved to Michigan with his new bride, and high school sweetheart, Pat. There, in the "Great Lakes Great State", he launched his prolific broadcasting career

He brought his love for nature to the screen producing over 800 TV programs including Michigan Sportsman, Michigan Outdoors, Jeep Outdoors, his work appearing on ESPN and various independent networks. Jerry was also an accomplished writer, contributing to magazines, books and video content that celebrated the outdoors he so cherished.

A devoted family man, Jerry and Pat raised four children: Celeste, Cindy, Jerry Jr., and Tina. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In 1981, Jerry married Rita, expanding his family with two additional children and three more grandchildren, creating a loving, blended legacy.

An avid outdoorsman, Jerry's adventurous spirit and storytelling touched the lives of many.

In his later years, he found a home at RiverGarden Assisted Living in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was exceptionally cared for over the past eight years.

Jerry was predeceased by his first wife, Pat, and is survived by his loving wife, Rita. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Frank and Robert, and his sister, Darleen, and is survived by his sisters, Rose Marie "Dolly" Peters and Betty Parker, and his brothers, Donald, Lawrence, and Leonard "Hutch."

Jerry leaves behind his children: daughters Celeste Chiappetta, Cindy Sawyer, and Tina Henderson (husband Warren), and son Jerry Chiappetta Jr. (wife Tatiana).

He is also survived by his grandchildren:

From Celeste: John Turner Jr. (wife Dr. Kristal Turner) and their children, Trace and Natchez Turner.

From Cindy: Jennifer Coon (husband Riley Coon) and their children, Kaia Day, Farah Lei, and Micah James; Jessica Taylor (husband Dr. Graham Taylor) and their children, Hudson David and Mabel Leigh.

From Tina and Warren: Ace Henderson (wife Diane) and their daughter, Eleanor Claire; Austin Henderson (wife Bethany) and their daughter, Sloane Michelle.

Jerry is also survived by his stepchildren from Rita, Lori Fagan Burman (husband David), and their sons, Jacob and Evan; Marc Fagan and his daughter Tinsley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at RiverGarden Assisted Living in Jacksonville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to RiverGarden Assisted Living, a place that provided Jerry with comfort and care in his final years. Please visit www.rivergarden.org

Jerry's legacy as a storyteller, family man, and lover of the great outdoors will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.