Gerald Blaine Bardo

Gerald  Blaine  Bardo

of Lounsberry, NY

Gerald Blaine Bardo, affectionately known as Blaine to his friends and loved ones, passed away on August 31, 2024, at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pennsylvania. Born on December 16, 1936, in Millville, Pennsylvania, Jerry's life was marked by his dedication to his family, his passion for innovation, and his generous spirit.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lucy A. (Zimmerman) Bardo, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories since they married on October 5, 1958. He was the proud father of Lucinda Bardo Zabinski (Ronald) and Timothy Bardo (Kay Bowen), and the doting grandfather to Rachel Zabinski Williams (Mike), Kevin Blaine Zabinski (Brittany McNally), Ryan Klase Bardo (Amanda McDermott), and Lindsay Bardo Harbison (Robert). His great-grandchildren, Klase Benton Bardo, Jocelyn Mae Zabinski, Zachary Blaine Zabinski, Owen Ray Zabinski, Eloise Mae Williams, and Otis Blaine Williams, brought him immeasurable joy. Jerry will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Klase Collins and Myrtle (Deus) Bardo, his sister Virginia (Donald) Zeisloft, brothers Dale (Mary) Bardo, Max (Charlotte) Bardo, brother David Lee Bardo, and his nephew William Bardo as well as his best friend Pete Burke.

As a young man, he known as Blaine, worked in his father's auto repair garage. His hard work and intelligence shone through as he became valedictorian of his high school in Millville, Pa. He went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University, where he also served in ROTC for four years, followed by eight years in the US Army Reserve as a Captain. In his professional life he was distinguished by his 29-year tenure at IBM Owego, where his expertise in robotics earned him recognition and several patents.

Jerry will be remembered for his active contribution to the community as a charter member of the Jaycees in Nichols, New York. His hobbies and interests were many and varied; he enjoyed hunting, camping, golf, and spent his winters in Florida, where his creativity and love for music led him to organize "Lou's Snowbird Band." The band performed in nursing homes and at community events. A man of many talents, Jerry was also skilled in house remodeling, clock making, and was an avid collector of antiques. Above all, his greatest passion was for his family, whom he loved deeply and unconditionally.

Those who knew him would describe him as loving, kind, and exceptionally handy. He had a knack for fixing things, a testament to his engineering background, and his gentle demeanor made him a pillar in the lives of those he touched.

We will gather to remember Jerry on Monday, September 9th for a period of visitation from 10 – 11 am at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A funeral services will follow at 11 am. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Riverside Cemetery, Lounsberry. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Jerry's legacy is one of love, innovation, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his impact will continue to resonate through the lives of his family and the community he helped to build and serve. Jerry's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the importance of family, and the enduring value of leaving the world a better place than one found it. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his name to the Athens Volunteer Fire Department, Attn: David Dekey, 211 Herrick Ave., Sayre, Pa 18840 in loving memory of Gerald B. Bardo.