Gerald Jack Matcovsky

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.