Jerry DeTemple

Jerry DeTemple passed away on May 14, 2020 after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and complications with Covid-19 at the age of 69.  Jerry was born in Zanesville, Ohio on April 19, 1951 and was one of 10 siblings.  After moving to Columbus at an early age, Jerry attended Our Lady of Peace Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Watterson High School in 1969.  Upon graduation, Jerry began working for Ohio Bell where his career spanned 31 years and the place he met the love of his life, Becky.  During a brief pause in his career at Ohio Bell, Jerry served his country in the U.S. Army when he was drafted during the Vietnam War.  He was given an honorable medical discharge and returned to Columbus.  Always the competitor, Jerry enjoyed playing and coaching various sports in adult leagues, with his kids and grandkids.  His sports passion and fandom of the Cleveland Indians, Browns, and Ohio State made it easy for Jerry to strike up a conversation with anyone.  He never met a stranger that didn’t immediately feel welcome, a friend to all.  Jerry was always very active in his church where he served as men’s club president, lead many fund-raising efforts, and was runner-up as Catholic Man of the Year while at St. Timothy.  In his later life, Jerry participated in the Joy Group while attending The Refinery Church.  Jerry had a kind heart to his family and friends, always giving of his time, talents, a quick joke, or advice.  He was an advocate and board member of Hope Hollow, which provides housing for families of cancer patients while their loved ones get treatment in central Ohio.  The outpouring of love and support during this time is appreciated.

                Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Mary (Lally) DeTemple and his nephew Benjamin Holdsworth.  He is survived by his wife Becky, son Jim (Sara) DeTemple, daughter Allison (Dave) Eckert, grandchildren Courtney DeTemple, Victoria DeTemple, Austin Eckert, Benjamin DeTemple, Jessica DeTemple, siblings Joe (Cheryl) DeTemple, Ellen (Joe) Voltolini, Michael DeTemple, Michelle DeTemple, twin-sister Mary Jeanne Holdsworth, Margaret (Mike) Finnell, Matt DeTemple, Louie (Jeanie) DeTemple, Ed (Joan) DeTemple along with many loving nieces and nephews. 

                A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation can be made to:

1. Cure PSP: 1216 Broadway, 2^nd Floor, New York, NY 10001  443-578-3663  psp.org

2. Hope Hollow: PO Box 141423, Columbus, OH 43214    614-459-HOPE (4673)  hopehollow.com\donate