Gerald A. Rudnitski - known to all as "Jerry," passed away surrounded by love, the same way he lived his life. He was born on April 17, 1931, in Gilbertsville, New York, a place that shaped his values, his work ethic, and his lifelong devotion to community.

Jerry met the love of his life, Sarah "Sally" Rudnitski, and together they shared an extraordinary 72 years of marriage. Their partnership was one of mutual respect, shared purpose, and unwavering support, touching everyone who knew them.

Jerry was the proud father of three children and their spouses: Jim and Lauri, Tom and Nancy, and Diane and Gary. He was grandfather to Courtney and Danny, Jeremy and Alexis, Shane, Kelly, Ryan and Brittany, Jess and Matt, and Kristen and Tyler, and great-grandfather to Beau, Gideon, Nora, Connor, and Addison. His family was his greatest joy, and he showed up for them in countless, quiet and meaningful ways.

A Korean War veteran, Jerry carried his sense of service into every chapter of his life. Teaching was his vocation, one he proudly shared with his wife Sarah. Over the years, he taught science, math, and social studies in the schools of New Berlin and Afton, shaping young minds with patience, curiosity, and care.

Jerry was a writer at heart. He loved poetry and was a published author, writing a book of stories set in a town much like the one he grew up in. He also wrote and published two songs. Of writing, he once said, "If you have a story bouncing around in your head, that must be told, write it and give it to a friend." He lived by that advice, generously sharing his words and his wisdom.

A lifelong athlete, Jerry ran more 5K races than his family could count. Sally eventually encouraged him to take up golf—something he was reluctant to do at first, but soon grew to love and share with her. His energy and discipline never faded, only evolving with time.

Jerry was a dedicated community servant. He served the Town of Afton as Councilman and Supervisor, coached baseball, and supported his children's activities in every way imaginable, from scoring swim meets to transporting dancers to competitions. His approach to life was simple: if he saw a need, he filled it.

In the 70s, he noticed an overgrown cemetery along Route 7. Without fanfare, he cleared the property and continued to care for it for years after. At home, he was forever planting, weeding, and shoo-ing rabbits, affectionately earning him the nickname "Johnny Mapleseed."

Jerry was steady, thoughtful, quietly funny, and endlessly dependable. He was a man who lived with purpose, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it.

The family will receive callers on Saturday, February 7th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at C.H. Landers Funeral Home, 21 Main St, Sidney, NY 13838. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations, in Jerry's name, to the Gilbertsville Free Library, 17 Commercial Street, PO Box 332, Gilbertsville NY 13776.