Obituary of Gerard Okie

Savannah: Unexpectedly on Sunday February 22nd at age 74. Born in the Bronx, NY to Clement and Mildred Okie, (nee O’Shea), he was the oldest of nine children, graduating from Dumont, NJ High School. Jerry had been employed for over 25 years with the Structural Steel and Bridge Painters, Local #806 in New York City. Jerry is survived by his wife Linda LaPlant-Okie; children Debra (Jeff) Spano, Ann Marie Okie, Sharon Okie (Tim Douglass), Michael (Susan) Okie, and Monica Okie; 11 grandchildren; siblings Patricia Okie, Carol Okie, Margaret Okie, Delores Okie-Ross, George Okie, and James Okie. He was predeceased by brother Richard Okie and by a sister, Marilyn Burg. Jerry retired to Savannah to pursue his passion on a small farm, and driving horses. He was often seen with his horse Sarah at local parades and functions around Savannah. Jerry was a Charter Member of Dumont, New Jersey Lodge # 2593 B.P.O.E. and is a Past Exalted Ruler. Visitation will be held on Friday February 27th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Norton Funeral Home, 13081 West Church Street in Savannah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Grand Avenue in Savannah. Spring interment will be at the Crusoe Cemetery. Donations in Jerry’s memory may be directed to the Savannah Ambulance, 1770 Rt. 89 Savannah, NY 13146.