Francis J. “Jerry” Wittenauer 1933-2021

Jerry was born in Hubbard, on June 2, 1933, a son of Carl Vincent and Dorothy Brown Wittenauer.

He attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School, and graduated from Hubbard High School. He then worked at Sherwin William’s Can Factory in Hubbard until he enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was part of the 26th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 10th SRS, in the Strategic Air Command during the height of the Cold War. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant. After leaving the service in January 1957, he enrolled full time at Youngstown State University, while returning to a full-time position at Sherwin Williams. He graduated from YSU with a bachelor of science in business administration in June 1960 and went to work at U.S. Steel in the accounting training program. In 1962, he moved to Republic Steel in Warren. He received numerous promotions and was instrumental for many innovations and consolidations within accounting services. He was promoted to group controller of the flat rolled division in 1982. Upon the merger with J & L Steel in 1984, he elected to leave the company. After working as a consultant for Plechaty Companies and Northern Stamping, he fully retired in 1989 and moved to New Middletown in 1991.

He quickly became involved in St. Paul Parish in New Middletown, as head of building and grounds and as a volunteer business manager. He was a member of pastoral council from 1991 to 2016. Many projects at the parish bear his stamp, including the new Parish Church and the parish grounds as they appear today. He was also a member of the church Knights of Columbus Council No. 11551.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Barbara Ann DeMain, whom he married June 15, 1957; and his five children, Laura (Jack), Jerome (Kathy), Mary Jo, John (Kelly) and Susan (John). He is also the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Rachel, Dylan, Dani, Daniel, Sarah and Christopher; and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his two sisters, Rose and Joan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

A special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Masternick Memorial Memory Care Unit in New Middletown, which took such great care of Jerry in his final months.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at 10 a.m., at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown. Friends may call 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the building fund of St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10143 Main St., New Middletown, OH 44442.

Visit www.clementefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

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