Gerald M. Skarote 1943-2025
POLAND — Gerald “Jerry” M. Skarote, 82, died peacefully Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Windsor House at Parkside surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 16, 1943, in Youngstown, the son of Henry and Minnie Vivo Skarote.
Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he served his country with honor while stationed in Spain.
He was a graduate of East High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Youngstown State University, where he studied accounting.
For many years, Jerry used his skills as a press operator for Howell Industries in Masury, contributing significantly until the plant’s closing. Throughout his life, he was known as a simple man, a true tinkerer and handyman who took great pleasure in repairing and creating.
A longtime member of Holy Family Church and its Third Source Committee, Jerry found joy in the company of his fellow parishioners and took part in the community’s activities.
He cherished his role as a family man, often hosting Sunday dinners that became a cherished tradition for all his loved ones. Jerry enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including playing cards, mastering the claw machine and indulging in scratch-off lottery tickets, but his greatest passion was spending quality time with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Klepin Skarote, whom he married on Aug. 2, 1969; son, Stephen Skarote of Pittsburgh; brother, Joseph Skarote of Struthers; sister, Elizabeth Mirone of Ocean View, New Jersey; sister-in-law, Donna Simerlink of Poland; as well as his nephew, Robert (Patty) Simerlink; great-nephew, Steffin (Mackenzie) Simerlink; and many other nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Josephine Casalini, Mary Salreno and Kay Hickey; brothers, Sam and James Skarote; and his in-laws, Steve and Kay Klepin.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Oct. 22, 2025, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Windsor House and Sanctuary Hospice for their care and compassion given to Jerry and his family, especially during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to Children’s Hunger Alliance, which helps to feed underprivileged children in Ohio. To do so, visit https://childrens
hungeralliance.org/givemeals/.
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