b'MEMBER NEWSRemembering Jerry GertzO n April 13, 2025 Jerry Rein- sister, Judy;and nieces. Jerry was pre-hard Gertz of PVA memberdeceased by parents, Henry and Edna; ErieCanalCruisespassedwife, Kimberly; and daughter, Denise.away at the age of 86 .CaptainJerryspentthelast50years runningtourboatsinCalifornia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and still at the time of his death, on the Erie Canal in New York. Erie Canal Cruises was created by Jerry when he was trying to be closer to his New York family, espe-cially his mom who lived to 100. As the business grew, he designed and oversaw the building of a 120-passenger boat. This year was his 50th anniversary as a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, a milestone he was proud of and worked a long time to achieve. Prior to his boat-ing career, he had successful careers on WallStreet,designingandconstruc-tion of pools, in real estate, and operat-ing a Christmas tree farm. Jerry tried to retire four times and failed each time.Jerrydefinedhislifebyhisloveof manythingsfamilyandfriends, hard work, laughter, music, dancing, and travel. He was a lifelong learner, voracious reader, trivia contest master, andmuseumgoer.Friendssaidthat no one loved life more or lived it better or more generously, and lit up every room he walked into.As he requested, there was no service, but there will be many a toast in many PHOTO: ERIE CANAL CRUISESa place in his honor.He is survived by daughters, Jodie and Kelly,sons,JaysonandDennis;17 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 43 MAY 2025'