Jerry Lynn Bochek of Gloucester, VA passed away January 21, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Laddie Bochek and Margaret Cramer Bochek. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 26 years Roxie Rouse Bochek, his brother Pete Bochek of Tarantum, PA, brother-in-law Doug Rouse of Corry, PA, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He graduated from Mars High School in Pennsylvania and attended Fairmont State College in West Virginia for 3 years as a history major and member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity until he was drafted in 1968. He served in the US Army (1968 - 1969) in Vietnam as an Aircraft Mechanic and Repairman and helicopter door gunner with the 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry "Blackhawks". In honor of his service, he will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

Jerry was an accomplished Civil War digger and collector and a true historian gifted with the ability to communicate his knowledge to so many others during his 50+ years in the Civil War field and his 33 years of service to the City of Newport News Parks Division from which he retired as the Superintendent of Facilities and Grounds in 2004. As a Park Ranger and Historian he was dedicated to preserving the historical assets found throughout the City's park system. His efforts lead to the preservation of collected artifacts and resulted in having the Peninsula Campaign, Battle of Dam No. 1 site in Newport News Park accepted into the National Register of Historic Places.

As much as Jerry loved history, he loved his small farm in Gloucester with his circa 1840's farmhouse, his dogs, cats, horses, chickens, and an endless supply of vegetation in need of weed whacking or lopping.

A Celebration of Jerry's life will be held in Newport News Park, Shelters 19 & 20, May 31, 2025 from 11AM - 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to K9s for Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, FL. 32081 or by visiting K9sforWarriors.org