Jerome "Jerry" Eugene Schoonover

Jerome "Jerry" Eugene Schoonover, 75, of Meadville, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, at UPMC Hamot, succumbing to a series of health issues that he valiantly fought against since early October.

Jerry was born in Oil City, on May 23, 1948, the youngest child of the late Edwin G. and Mildred (Simpson) Schoonover.

On April 22, 1967 Jerry married Brenda G. Barco; she survives.

In December, 2003, Jerry retired as Chief Inspector of Quality Control from Meadville Forging after 38 1/2 years.  In his younger years he worked at the Academy Theater as an usher, at the Meadville Tribune inserting advertisements in the newspaper, and briefly at Smith Gray Cadillac detailing automobiles. He attended Oil City schools up until 10th grade, where he played J.V. Basketball, then went on to Meadville High School, graduating in 1966.  In those days he picked up the nickname "Rat" and had already developed an "agitator"  sense of humor that he used freely.  He had been a member of the Scorpions Motorcycle Club.  A longtime fan of the Erie Otters Hockey Team, Jerry held season tickets from the 1980's until recently.  He was skilled at playing Poker, especially Texas Hold-em, having played in tournaments in Salamanca, NY, Presque Isle Downs, and the Senior World Championships in Las Vegas.  His competitive nature stayed with him whether playing Soft Ball for Meadville Forging, Pickleball, Racquetball, or Golfing in leagues at Whispering Pines, Venango Valley and Mt. Hope.  When he wasn't competing at something, Jerry liked being at home sitting on his porch, cutting the grass with his Zero Turn mower at warp speed, digging holes with his John Deere tractor, or snuggling with his cat, C.B.   He often insisted on wearing his pink hat or his well worn John Deere hat.  Some of Jerry's favorite times away from home were spent snorkeling in Bonaire and wintering in Florida.  Jerry loved his friends and family and always worked hard to keep his siblings connected.  He enjoyed spending time with them and "stirring the pot" however he could.  He was always ready to crack a joke or help anyone in need.  He will be sadly missed.

In addition to his wife, Brenda who Jerry affectionately referred to as his "first wife", of 56 years, Jerry is survived by a son Todd P. Schoonover of Meadville; brother in law Kit Barco (Gloria) of Harmonsburg; sister-in-law Sue Schoonover of Meadville; numerous extended family members, good friends, and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by two brothers Edwin Schoonover (Shirley), William Schoonover; four sisters Jeannine DeLuca (John), Shirley Hewston (Paul), Margaret "Peg" Reagle (Don), Dorothy Aaron (Dick); his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Emma Barco, who were all too happy to become his second parents since he lost his mom at age 12 and dad at age 18.

Although it was Jerry's wish as an organ donor to be "gutted, burned and buried", his beloved "first wife" always assured him that if he went before she did, there would be a service. As she promised him, Family and Friends are invited to call from 12-1:30 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:30 PM with Pastor Jamey Huselton officiating.

Jerry will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery, Union Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jerry's memory to the Jimmy Moore Fund, 379 Cole Dr., Meadville, PA 16335 or the Port Allegany Ambulance Service Scholarship Fund, 22279 US-6, Port Allegany, PA  16743.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com