Gerald Lee Vandetti (Jerry), 69, of Rochester, NY passed away on May 19, 2022.
Jerry is survived by his wife Laurie Vandetti (Butler) (Crouch); children Ryder Crouch, Christopher Vandetti (Liz), Carrie Shiner (Jay), Jamie Lee McClung (Mack); siblings Alan Vandetti (Margaret), Kenny Vandetti, Brian Tower (Tina); niece Melissa Lawrence (Jon); nephew Matt Vandetti; and 4 beautiful granddaughters Blakelee Anderson and Harper Jane McClung, Sarah and Kara Shiner. Jerry was predeceased by Angelo Vandetti (father) and Betty L. Tower (mother).
Jerry was born December 16, 1952, in Brockport, NY and grew up on a farm in Albion, NY with his brothers.
Jerry had a passion for sports from very early on. In high school, Jerry wrestled and played football. While attending MCC, he played for the men’s soccer team and won a National Championship. He then moved on to Brockport where he fell in love with Rugby while playing for the Brockport Doggies. Jerry also became a referee for the sport as well as a coach for women’s rugby.
After college, Jerry played for the Rochester Aardvarks and then became one of the founding fathers of the Rochester Colonials Rugby Team. He continued to play with the Colonials for many years until he made the move to Bonita Springs, FL in 1998.
Jerry would continue to play rugby for years and stayed very active in the sport. Rugby allowed him to travel the world including places like Australia, New Zealand and France. In his latest years, Jerry was inducted into the hall of fame for both the Brockport Doggies as well as the Rochester Colonials. The rugby family spans far and wide and has always meant a great deal to Jerry.
When Jerry wasn’t on a field somewhere, he could be found building a piece of furniture for a family member or friend. He was an accomplished carpenter and found much joy in working with his hands.
Jerry will be remembered most for his gregarious personality and willingness to always help a friend in need while at the same time, being ready with a joke or a prank. He was loved by anyone who knew him and was often referred to as “Uncle Jerry.” He lived his life to the fullest and was seemingly invincible; despite the many precarious situations he put himself into.
He loved a party; he was the party. Jerry, your work here on Earth is done. May you find peace and enjoy your T&T double lime for all eternity! Until we meet again…
I was so very sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. As a classmate, I have fond memories of Jerry and his fun personality. We were hoping to be able to see him at our upcoming Reunion, and he will be missed by everyone. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones .
What can I say about Looney, my roommate and friend. My accomplice in life, his laugh will never leave me. He took care of me and never denied me any request.
God bless him and give him the peace he deserves, amen brother. We love you.
On behalf of the Albion High School class of 1971, we extend our deepest condolences to Jerry’s family. He will be greatly missed!
Jerry was a tremendous human being on and off the Rugby pitch. Though older than he was I was honored to play with him for the Brockport Doggies (originally the “Old Boys”) and he was instrumental in my playing longer than I may have after college. He was competitive yet kind and thoughtful. He was seemingly always happy, smiling and laughing. Heaven has been taken up a notch with his arrival. RIP, my friend…