Michael George Jerista

Michael George "Mike" Jerista, 80, of Philadelphia, PA, died on July 8, 2025 at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on June 11, 1945, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Emily E. (née Baloga) Jerista.
Mike graduated from James M. Coughlin High School and attended The Pennsylvania State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1965 to 1971, attaining the rank of Hospital Corpsman Second Class. As a medic primarily patrolling the North Atlantic Ocean, "Doc" saved the lives of dozens of civilians and military personnel.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, Mike operated Kitchen Magic, a home remodeling business in Montclair, NJ. Specializing in artist renderings of renovation projects before computer-aided drafting, Mike and his team won the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's Contractor of the Year award.
Following his business career, Mike pursued his passion for art, displaying paintings in several galleries and winning multiple juried art shows. Mike was a member of numerous art associations, including the Philadelphia Sketch Club and The Plastic Club.
Mike is survived by his wife, Terry (née Locascio) Jerista with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage; two sons: Jeffrey J. Jerista (his wife Laurie and their sons Evan, Colin, and Andrew) and Jason M. Jerista (his wife Alison and their son Jason, Jr.); three siblings, Joseph M. Jerista, James A. Jerista, and Mary Jerista Lampman; several nieces and nephews.
Mike's family and friends will fondly remember his sense of humor, friendliness, and desire to help others. Along with art, Mike enjoyed fishing, baseball, bowling, action movies, and traveling.
Family and friends are invited to attend his Life Celebration on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, St. Andrew Catholic Church in Newtown, PA from 10:00am to 11:30am, where his Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30am. Internment with Military Honors will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA from 1:30pm to 2:00pm.
In lieu of floral tributes, Mike requested memorial donations in his memory to the Coast Guard Foundation (www.coastguardfoundation.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).