Gerald (Jerry) Earl Mattern Sr.

Gerald (Jerry) Earl Mattern Sr.

September 6, 1939 – December 5, 2025 

Gerald “Jerry” Earl Mattern Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 86.

Jerry was born on September 6, 1939. He was predeceased by his sisters, Barb and Joyce, and his beloved grandson, Benjamin.

He is survived by the love of his life, Elaine Mattern, whom he married on March 31, 1973; his sister, Kay Russell; and his children: Michael (Shirley) Mattern, Gerald “Jerry” Jr. (Mary) Mattern, Susan Ledezma, Jennifer (Brandon) Sweet, and Johnny (Sherrie Rossi) Lundberg. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Jennifer (Alex) Whitfield, Amy (David) Pillittieri, Jacob (Shannan) Mattern, Rebekah Mattern, Jillian (Daniel) Reitano, Ryan (Taisha) Mattern, Kendra (Joe) Stocking, Kelsey (Jose) Ledezma-Rebollo, Katherine Carditello, Cristina (David) Loomis, Gabriella Carditello, Brittany Barone, and a cherished great-grandfather to Liam, Vanessa, Keira, Kaitlin, Madelline, Maximilian, Violet, Arianna R, Colette, Isabelle, Amaryllis, Penelope, Brighton, Brooklyn, Arianna B, Lorenzo, Giovanni, Rio, and Elaina.

A Life Well Lived

Jerry lived life with strength, determination, and a sharp mind. He worked hard every day during his long career at Kodak, taking pride in work that engaged both his hands and his intellect. He was a man of action — a passionate gardener, an avid hunter, and a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the New England Patriots, especially during the Tom Brady years.

He loved traveling around the world with Elaine, especially to Walt Disney World, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life’s simple pleasures — like a big bowl of ice cream every night. At the dinner table, Jerry was known to shake his fork to make a point, a small gesture that captured his spirited personality and quick wit.

His Story in His Own Words

Jerry shared some of his life story in a video interview with his granddaughter. If you’d like to hear Jerry tell his story in his own voice, you can watch the interview here:https://youtu.be/sLgzPPHYjWU