Jerome J. "Jerry" Zdeb

Jerome ("Jerry") John Zdeb, 89, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, passed away on February 21, 2025. He was born on May 3, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, where he was raised and spent much of his life.
Jerry married his beloved wife, Rita, in 1959, and they shared 66 years together. He is survived by Rita; his children, Anthony Zdeb, Thomas Zdeb, and Jennifer Bjertness (Mark); his siblings, Barbra Nelleman, Connie Boyle (Michael), and Joseph Szewczyk; his grandchildren, Christopher Brandt, Stephanie Baryshevtsev (Maxim), Madison Bjertness, Jacob Bjertness, and Maya Bjertness; and his great-grandchildren, Elaina Baryshevtsev and Luca Baryshevtsev. He was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Zdeb (Marilyn).
He was a man of great character. A proud Army veteran, Jerry served as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) and earned recognition for his marksmanship and expertise. His service instilled in him great discipline and loyalty. Jerry was a proud graduate of Detroit Catholic Central, class of 1953, and remained an active donor to his alma mater.
Jerry had a long and varied career. At Western Electric, Jerry was a troubleshooter for Private Branch Exchanges for 32 years. He told his later colleagues at the Crestwood School District, where he retired as Director of Operations after 15 years, that he was proud to have worked for the company that created the diode, which led to the development of the transistor and modern computers. Jerry also served as Secretary of the Treasury for the Communications Workers of America–Local 4095 for 20 years.
Beyond his professional life, Jerry was a devout Catholic, avid reader, skilled hunter, and lifelong collector of stamps and coins. Jerry celebrated his parents' Polish heritage by teaching his family Pisanki, an elaborate form of egg painting that uses heated wax and liquid colorants. When his children were young, he coached their football teams and managed their Little League team. Above all, he took pride in his family, often saying with great joy: "I have three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren."
Jerry's family and friends will miss him deeply and will never forget his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
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Visitation Thursday, February 27, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a PLAV Service at 6:00 PM and a 7:00 PM Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Friday, February 28th, 10:30 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle (31530 Beechwood Ave, Garden City, MI 48135).