Obituary of Gerald Wayne Clare

Gerald Wayne Clare, Jerry as his friends knew him, 80, of Syracuse, NY, passed away on Valentine’s Day at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his daughter at his bedside. He is survived by his wife, Mary Clare and daughter, Debbie Clare, of Syracuse, NY.

He was a self-less, self-made man. Growing up in Flat Rock, Michigan, family always came first. In his youth he dropped out of school to work and help support his mother, 2 brothers and 3 sisters, even though he was the youngest. He later moved to Syracuse with his mother, Ethlanda and started his career as a carpet installer at Albino’s Carpet Store. During that time he was drafted at 28 years old for the Vietnam War, and proudly served in the U.S. Army and was honored to be a Veteran. He was the oldest in his platoon and always watched over the soldiers in his unit to ensure everyone came home safely. Once he returned to work, he met Pearl Pidcerkowny who also worked at Albino’s. One day Pearl needed a ride home and that’s when he was introduced to Mary, his future wife. It was an unusual encounter because while at work that day he accidentally broke the zipper on his pants and had a safety pin holding it together. Nonetheless, it was love at first sight and they were married within three months and were happily married ever since.

After wedding the love of his life, he became an entrepreneur and opened his own carpet store. His business was well-known in the Syracuse community as Jerry’s Carpets and he cherished going to work with his wife every day. It thrived for over 45 years before he retired.
He was blessed to have an only child, the apple of his eye, Debbie, who was actively involved with the family business and was the spokesperson in their television commercials. He was filled with great pride while seeing his daughter succeed in school and business. Jerry was a loving, dedicated, family man. He enjoyed his extended family of pets and rescued animals over the years along with all the critters that visited their backyard. He will undoubtedly be missed the most by his loving and devoted wife, Mary, of 52 years and his daughter, Debbie, who was his pride and joy and together they had an inseparable bond.

Calling hours will be 3 to 5pm Sunday, February 19, at Tindall Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will begin at 5pm Sunday, February 19, at the funeral home, 1921 W Genesee St Syracuse.