Jerry J. Sarno

Jerry J. Sarno, 76 of Covert died on November 30, 2004 at Lakeland Hospital ? St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Monday, December 6, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph with Msgr. Eugene Sears officiating. Burial will follow at Covert Township Cemetery. Friends may call from 3-6 PM Sunday, December 5, 2004, at Kerley – Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, with a prayer service following at 6:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Covert Lion?s Club or Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so on line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jerry was born on February 16, 1928 to James & Maria (Calabrese) Sarno in South Haven, MI. He graduated from Covert High School in 1945. He married Elda Winslow on May 9, 1953 at St. Basil Catholic in South Haven. During his life he was a fruit farmer in the Covert area working with his dad, brother and children; while living the same house for over 75 years. His hobbies included reading, and playing basketball. Jerry was always ready and willing to help people. Being civic minded, the memberships and offices he held during his life were many including; Covert Township Trustee from 1955-58; Covert Township Clerk 1958-60; Covert Township Treasurer 1960-61; Covert Township Supervisor 1961- 2000; Covert Township Fireman; Charter President, Van Buren County Township Assoc.; Charter President, Van Buren County Supervisors Assoc.; charter member and current member of VanBuren District Library Board of Directors; member of Van Buren 911 Committee; Charter President of the Covert Township Lions Club; Covert Township Lion of the Year 1987; member of St. Joseph Catholic Church; St. Joseph Parish Council for 7 years, with 5 years as chairman. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife Elda of Covert; one son Gerald (Laura) Sarno of St. Joseph; two daughters Ann Sarno LaSotta of Grand Rapids, Janice (Ted) Witkowski of Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren; James, Jennifer, Andrew, Anthony, Jon, Matthew, Leha; one brother Harry (Lois) Sarno of Covert; one sister Anne (Robert) VanderWeele. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, John LaSotta; a brother Tony, brother and sister-in-law, Al (Helen) Sarno; sister and brother-in-law, Mildred (Gordon) Lindahl.