Gerald "Jerry" DeMorat

Gerald “Jerry” DeMorat, 87, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life centered around family. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Dorothy, and took great joy in the generations of family they built together. He was happiest when surrounded by family and could often be found in the stands cheering on his children and grandchildren at their games, performances, and activities. He was their biggest supporter and took immense pride in each of their accomplishments. His contagious laugh and warm smile could light up a room and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He especially enjoyed playing golf and had a strong short game. He liked to fish from time to time and occasionally relaxed with a cigar. Jerry had quite a sweet tooth and especially loved ice cream—Dove Bars were a favorite; often bringing them for dessert at family dinners.

Jerry retired after many years at IBM in Owego and later from the New York State Insurance Fund. He was a proud Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and served as treasurer for Mended Hearts, an organization close to his heart as he supported his wife through her open heart surgery.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his children: Doreen Lauko and her husband Bill, and their children Kara Masterson (Matt) and Billy (Brooke), with great-grandchildren Mason, River, and Winter; Bud and his wife Chris, and their children Taylor Gadke (Bryce) and Jared, with great-grandchild Camden; Dave and his wife Minnie, and their children Maria, Andrew, Isabel, Gabby Nash (Parker), Marek, and Danek, with great-grandchildren Maverick and Ponder; and Kim Pilarchik and her husband Jeff, and their children Zachery, Kylie, and Zoe. He is also survived by his sister, Connie Yanushefski. In total, Jerry leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Peter DeMorat, and his brother, Dennis.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful aides who cared for both Jerry and Dorothy in countless ways: Mantha, Erica, Kara, Cathy, and Morgan. Your kindness, compassion, and dedication meant more than words can express, and we can never thank you enough.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 am, Friday, March 20, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 West Main Street, Endicott. The family will receive friends at church, Friday, March 20 from 10 am until Mass time at 11 am.

Expressions of sympathy in Jerry’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.