Gerald M. "Jerry" Pasteris

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, with his family at his side at the age of 89 years.

A lifelong Joliet resident, Jerry was born on September 15, 1935, and was a graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1953. He went on to attend Joliet Junior College before proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

For more than 35 years, Jerry dedicated his professional life to helping others as an insurance agent with Illinois Securities. He was a respected leader in his industry, serving as both a board member and past president of the Joliet–Will County Independent Insurance Agents Association. Jerry also served on the board of the Joliet YMCA for many years.

Jerry was a man of great enthusiasm, with a passion for sports, coaching, and the outdoors. A skilled athlete in his own right, Jerry enjoyed playing baseball, handball, and casting a line in bass fishing tournaments. He especially loved coaching youth baseball with Rivals Youth Baseball League, where he mentored generations of young players with heart and humor.

Above all, Jerry was a devoted family man. He shared 64 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife Virginia F. Pasteris (née Puleo), who stood by his side through every chapter of life. Together, they raised four children Jerilynn Mutchler, Marc (Carol) Pasteris, Michael (Bobbi Koziol) Pasteris, and David (Colleen) Pasteris.

Jerry was the proud grandfather of Daniel (Toni) Bene, Nicholas (Kerstin) Pasteris, Maureen Pasteris, Sarah Pasteris, Rebecca Pasteris, Jacob Pasteris, and step-grandson Mathew Mutchler. His cherished great-grandchildren Dominic and Austin Bene, Cole, Beau, and Layne Pasteris. Jerry is also survived by his sister Sharlene (James Stusprert) Foscer, brother Thomas (Mary) Pasteris, brother-in-law Paul (Mary) Puleo, sister-in-law Cindy Puleo, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Josephine Pasteris, his son-in-law, Arthur "Skip" Mutchler, III and his brother-in-law Robert Puleo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue on Wednesday, August 20th at 10:00 A.M. Visitation will be held at the Cathedral from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jerry's name to the American Heart Association will be appreciated.