On Monday, July 11, 2022, Jerry (Gerald) Francis Zawacki, of Winder, GA., loving husband and father of three children, completed his successful lifelong journey at the age of 83.
Jerry was born on February 12, 1939, in Uniontown, PA., to Charles and Emily Zawacki. He graduated from Uniontown High School. He then went on to Ohio University where he played football for the Bobcat football team. He was a member of the 1960 team that completed an undefeated season with a national championship recognized by the AP and UPI. He earned his degree in education with aspirations of being a high school social studies teacher and football coach. While at school, he met the love of his life, Ann, who he married in 1967. Jerry also spent two years in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman.
Jerry began a long and successful career as a beloved teacher and football coach when he served as an assistant coach at Uniontown for three years. He then served as a teacher and head football coach at Cameron County High School (PA) for several years, then finally at Bradford Area High School (PA) for over 15 years. While in Bradford, he earned his Master of Education degree from St. Bonaventure University. Jerry had a passion for teaching, mentoring, and motivating students and athletes to become the very best version of themselves. He infused life lessons in his teaching and coaching. A capstone moment in Jerry’s career was he, as well as the entire 1960 Ohio University football team, was enshrined in the Kermit Blosser Ohio University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. In retirement, he continued to teach at the community college level in Florida and Georgia.
Jerry was preceded in his death by his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his three children, Christopher (Susie) of Pittsburgh, PA., Patrick (Melissa) of Charlotte, NC., and Bradley (Janet) of Atlanta, GA. He also has four grandchildren in Tyler, Ethan, Lucas, and Ben.
The family does request in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ohio University at https://give.ohio.edu/
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga 30548. lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.
Sending our sincere condolences and much love to you all. Uncle Jerry was one in a million, so respected & loved. He touched so many lives with his positive, uplifting words of encouragement. He will be remembered as the kind, caring, fun loving man he was. I will remember him with a smile. I love you ❤️
Much love to you all and sincere condolences in your loss. His memory will always be a blessing to everyone who knew him – so encouraging! I heard many great stories of his time in Bradford. His impact there left a deep and positive impression and changed the lives of many for the good. The party in heaven revved up big time when Jerry got there now that all the “kids” are back together.
Mrs. Zawacki, Chris, Pat, Brad, and family. I want to share my sincere condolences. I was very saddened to hear about Coach’s passing. He had a tremendous influence on me and I very much appreciated our relationship. I fondly remember his coaching style of putting his arm around you and calmly communicating his message. He was a great coach and even better man. My family and I will always remember him affectionately.
Go Owls!