Jesse W. Gerkins

Of East McKeesport, age 91, died on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the V.A. Medical Center in Oakland.
Beloved husband of the late Carol (Mesler) Gerkins for 66 years.
Loving and devoted father of Jesse W. "Bill" (Barb) Gerkins of AL, Garnet Van Meter of East McKeesport, Pam Morris of Iowa, Mary Katherine (Frank) Kryznaric of North Versailles and Terri (Ralph) Troper of Penn Twp.
Jesse also is survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and2 great-great-grandchildren.
Jesse was the brother of Barb (Tim) McConnell, Patti Gubash, Carol (Jim) Wilson, David (Lynn) Lydic, the late Ralph Gerkins and the late Rich (late Maggie) Lydic.
Jesse was also preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Dorothy Gerkins and his stepfather, Harry Lydic.
Jesse served as a corporal in the Army in Korea during the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart. He also earned the Army Occupation Medal from serving in Japan. After the war, Jesse worked as a Crane Operator at the former Verona Steel until the plant closed. He then was hired at the V.A. Medical Center in Aspinwall from where he retired. Jesse enjoyed playing the piano, learned to fly a plane when he was over 70 years old, and he kept an outstanding garden.
Jesse deeply missed and loved his 'rock', Carol, and was always pleased to have the love, comfort and support of his entire family.
Friends are welcome on Tuesday from 4-8pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, (412-823-9350), where a Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Due to health concerns, it is requested that each visitor wear a mask while inside the funeral home.
Jesse will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Restland Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave., Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org