Gerald Charles Feck

1939 - 2025

Feck, Gerald Charles
REXFORD - Gerald Charles Feck, known to everyone as "Jerry," passed away peacefully at home, in Rexford, N.Y., on April 16, 2025, with his wife, Donna (Glebatis-Feck); and beloved daughter, Catherine Rose Feck; by his side. He was born on October 14, 1939, in Rochester, N.Y., to his late parents, Charles and Catherine (Moll) Feck.
Jerry graduated from Webster High School and received a BA in Public Policy from St. Lawrence College and later, achieved a Master's in Public Administration from SUNY Albany. Jerry's professional life began at Ward's Science in his hometown of Rochester. His adventurous spirit led him to join the Peace Corps in 1966, where he spent two years advising small businesses in the Kerala region of India. Upon his return, he embarked on a long career with the NYS Department of Health in collaboration with the National Center for Disease Control (CDC), working in the areas of Nutrition, Cancer Epidemiology, Injury Epidemiology and Control, and HIV/Aids Surveillance.
Jerry and Donna met while working for the Department of Health and married in 1975, sharing the bond of the great outdoors. Together, they hiked and backpacked across the high peaks of the Adirondacks and canoed in remote wilderness areas of Canada. As avid skiers and members of the OC Ski Club, they enjoyed many trips to ski destinations around the world, including Colorado, Utah, the Canadian Rockies, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
But Jerry's love for high-stakes adventure did not end there. As soon as the ice went out in spring, he could be found destroying many a canoe on his white water excursions down local rivers and streams.
In the mid-1980s, Jerry and Donna settled on 12 acres along the Mohawk River in Rexford, and in 1991, they built their camp on Minerva Lake in the Adirondacks. With wood sourced from his own land, Jerry furnished their home with rustic furniture that expressed his creativity and connection with nature.
When he wasn't adventuring or woodworking, you could find Jerry in the kitchen honing his culinary skills. He enjoyed preparing elaborate gourmet meals for his monthly cooking club, and, always had dinner on the table at 6:00 p.m., no matter what.
Jerry's happiest achievement was his family. He shared an enduring bond with his daughter, Kate, to whom he imparted a sense of adventure and deep appreciation for nature. He was extremely proud to be a "girl dad."
Even into his 80s, Jerry continued to hike, forever drawn to the mountains he loved so dearly. Those who knew him will remember his woodworking, his adventurous heart, and his unwavering stoicism. Jerry's legacy is one of passion, dedication, and an enduring love for the beauty of the world around him.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Barbara Schlageter, Jim Feck, Jack Feck, and Cathie Tunis. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Sandra Feck; and brother-in-law, Ray Tunis; and many nieces and nephews. His memory is cherished by his devoted wife, Donna Glebatis-Feck; and their daughter, Catherine (Kate) Rose Feck; who was the center of his world.
A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at the family home, at 522 Riverview Rd., Rexford, N.Y. 12148, on Sunday, April 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com