HARLINGEN:
Gerald L. (Jerry) Menegay passed away early Sunday morning, December 31, 2006. Jerry was born February 7, 1920 in Alliance, Ohio.
Jerry retired from Ferguson Motors in 1985. He was long-time member of St. Anthony’s parish, a fourth degree Knight in the local Knights of Columbus Council 2785, and a charter member of the Elk’s Lodge. Jerry belonged to what has come to be known as “the greatest generation” and served as a fighter pilot flight instructor in Harlingen during World War II.
Jerry is survived by 6 children, Duane “Larry”, Paul, Dee Anna (Menegay) Manitzas, Ken, John, and Patty (Menegay) Ramsey. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Debbie Zarsk, Chris Menegay, Heather Hill, Alex Manitzas, Kevin Menegay, Lauren Menegay, Bobby Ramsey, Logan Ramsey and 6 great-grandchildren, Josh Kempf, Noah Zarsk, Matthew Hill, Katherine Hill, Nadia Manitzas, and Alyssa Manitzas.
Jerry has one remaining sibling, Luella Toussant of Alliance, Ohio, and his sister-in-law, Kate Menegay of Louisville, Ohio.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Gilda Menegay, his father, Harvey Menegay, his mother, Irene Menegay, siblings, Cyril, Merle, Syvern, Ursula Haidet, Dolly Umbs, and granddaughter, Kristi, Boyd.
Jerry occupied a special place in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends from his residency of more than 60 years in Harlingen.
Rosary and viewing will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 between noon to 8 p.m. The family will arrive at 6 p.m. The rosary will begin at 7 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Tom Pincelli at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Mont Meta Cemetery in San Benito.
Pallbearers will be his sons, Larry, Paul, Kenneth and John Menegay along with sons-in-law, Garry Manitzas and Kevin Ramsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Buryl Williams and Eddie McKinzie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic School, 1015 E. Harrison, Harlingen, Texas 78550. A luncheon will be served in honor of Jerry at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1701 E. Harrison St., Harlingen, Texas following burial.
The family expresses special appreciation to Canterbury Court for the loving care they showed toward both Jerry and Gilda.