Jerry A. Kalback

Jerry A. Kalback, age 71 of Hudson, OH passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021. Jerry was the son of the late Charles and Margaret Kalback of Orchard Park, NY; the son in law of the late Stuart and Mary VanSickle of Hamilton, ON; the beloved husband for 47 years of Jane L. (nee VanSickle); devoted father of Lindsay (Michael) Wade of Hudson and Chip (Amira) Kalback of Denver; cherished "Bompa" of Piper Wade and Ollie (Oliver) Kalback; brother-in-law of Barbara VanSickle; brother of Joyce Huen, Judy Thompson, Jon (Dorothy)Kalback.

Jerry was born in Wilkinsburg, PA; moving to Orchard Park, NY during high school. He went on to study at SUNY Buffalo State College, obtaining both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Art Education. This was followed by two years of studying under the most acclaimed American Illustrators as part of the Illustrators Workshop in New York City. After teaching in childhood art education in Orchard Park; Jerry and the family moved on to teach at Alberta College of Art in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He found his eventual home and lasting career at Kent State University from 1983-2013, a dedicated 30 years in Visual Communication Design. He was awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2001, followed by the highly acclaimed title of Professor Emeritus upon retirement in 2013. Throughout Jerry's tenure at KSU, he both taught and advised thousands of students as if they were his own children. His passion for nurturing creativity in others will live on in the lives of so many. Jerry had the good fortune of considering his fellow colleagues as dear friends, who he continued to meet up with for coffee regularly.

From his home studio, Jerry's commissioned work included clients such as American Greetings, Bird Watcher's Digest, Cleveland Indians, Eddie Bauer, National Public Radio, Oberlin College, Ohio Watercolor Society, Reba McEntire, The Wall Street Journal, and many more. His memberships included the Honorary Member Golden Key National Honor Society and the Society of Illustrators.

Jerry and Jane met as instructors at Kissing Bridge in Western NY, when Jerry was Assistant Director of the ski school. His love for the sport continued throughout his life, turning his children and grandchildren into avid skiers also. Endless memories with friends and family were made on the dock in Muskoka, Ontario; a place he held so dear in the Summer, given Jane's Canadian heritage.

Jerry is surely sitting with his beloved Border Collie "Ivy" and checking the latest conditions for his first day of skiing. In this spirit, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org.

The family will be hosting a memorial gathering amidst Jerry's work on December 11, open from 4-7pm, in the Main Gallery of the Kent State University Center for Visual Arts. Please be advised the University requires mask compliance.

Arrangements by Johnson-Romito Funeral Home, Hudson, OH. www.johnsonromito.com