Gerald J. 'Jerry' Kovaleski, Sr., 84, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on September 15, 2019 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Nanticoke, PA, he was the son of the late John Kovalaski and Sylvastina (Hodick) Kovaleski Kinney and stepson of the late David L. Kinney, Sr.
Jerry attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. On June 7, 1958, he married Grace M. (Augustino) Kovaleski.

He proudly served in the US Army from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1956. Jerry was employed at E.I. DuPont, Inc. in Niagara Falls as a purchasing agent for 30 years, retiring in 1986. He was a parishioner of Prince of Peace Church, where he served as an usher, a Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Holy Name Society. Also, Gerald was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus #247, where he was a Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator and Past Editor of the 247 Newsletter. Jerry was a warm and personable man whose life centered around his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Gerald is survived by his children, Cheryl (Clark) Bolents and Gerald (Karen) Kovaleski, Jr.; his grandchildren, Courtney (Eric) Guenther, Cyle (Deanna) Bolents, Zachary (Gina) Knox, and Kaylynn Kovaleski; his great-grandchildren, Tessa, Jameson, Avery, Jack and Harper; his brother, David (Sandy) Kinney, Jr., as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, John (Elaine) Kovaleski, as well as his brother-in-law, Robert D. (Patricia) Augustino.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18 from 4 – 8 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. The Knights of Columbus Council #247 will conduct a memorial service on Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the Funeral Chapel. Gerald's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 19 at 10 AM at St. Vincent DePaul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Everyone please assemble at church. Interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston, NY with Military Honors. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.