Jerry George Huston passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2024 at the age of 77.

He was preceded by his parents, George and Hazel (Judy) Huston (Bowler), his brother, John Lyle and 1 grandchild.

He is survived by his loving 3rd wife, Darlene Ann Huston (Bull) of 20 years, daughters Genevieve and Alanna Huston,

stepchildren, Samuel Bull and Elizabeth Mancuso and 7 grandchildren.

A  Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 710 Marion Ave, Joliet,  on June 20th at  5:00 P.M.  A  Time of Remembrance gathering will be held beginning at 4:00 P.M. until time of Mass.   Inurnment will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery at a later date.

Jerry was a licensed Physical Therapist Asst. (PTA) for over 38 years, the last 9 years in Early Intervention (EI) working with kids under 3 years old. He attended several collages, and while working as a masseuse was told he had great hands and should look into becoming a Physical Therapist. He attended the Central YMCA Community College, Chicago, tested out of 36 credit hours (CCLEP) and graduated with an Associate of Science.

He continued learning through the years, adding techniques of acupressure and Feldenkreis to his repertoire before going into EI. After retiring as a PTA in 2013 due to declining health, he helped his wife in their home childcare until a chronic illness limited his activities. Jerry was a member of NAEYC and the Will County Childcare Association/Childcare Early Educators Network.

As a child growing up in Joliet, IL, Jerry had a pet squirrel named Nutty. He looked enough like Howdy Doody as a child that he won a look-alike contest. Jerry esteemed animals, especially cats and had at least 1 most of his life. Jerry was passionate about reading and chess, joining chess clubs and the Friends of the Library. He appreciated a variety of music: Irish, traditional Catholic, jazz, musicals, chants, and opera. He made the harmonica come alive, loved to dance, spoke several languages and was a conscientious DIYer. He enjoyed traveling, exploring much of the USA in his lifetime. He and Darlene visited many shrines and museums.

Jerry loved his children and grandchildren and saw them as often and as much as he could through the years, sharing museums, parks and just hanging out. His youngest daughter said her Pops gave her the greatest childhood a dad could with long bike rides, Greek mythology, undying support and the lease to explore infinite possibilities; appreciating and recognizing her for who she was.  While not raised Catholic, Jerry chose to join the Catholic Church as an adult and soon became an active member at St. Patrick's, where he met his wife, Darlene who, as a lifelong member, was also very active.  Their life and marriage revolved around the Catholic Church, with a special fondness for Mary, music, children, nature and cats. Their first date was on Divine Mercy Sunday and the theme of their wedding was Our Lady of Knock. At St Pat's, Jerry was a Religious Education Catechist, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and joined the Men's group, Parish Education Committee, Daybreak Mission, St. Vincent DePaul, and the Fisher of Men prayer group. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Trinity Council. He and Darlene sang with choirs including the Diocesan Choir at St Raymond's Cathedral, Joliet, St. Joseph, downtown Joliet

and St. Luke's in Carol Stream. They were active in the local World Wide Marriage Encounter, Cursillo (2017) and the Legion of Mary at St Andrew's in Romeoville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able make a donation to St. Patrick's Church, Joliet.