Jerry Izor

On November 25th, 2022, Gerald Louis Izor (Jerry) was ushered into the loving arms of his Father. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to every soul he met. All people had value in Jerry’s eyes, and he fulfilled his lifelong calling as a counselor by listening with his whole heart to those in need. He was known for his quick wit and “Izorisms,” always ready with a story from his past and a joke for the present.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife Ellen of 58 years, his son, Christopher (Michelene)Izor and daughter, Katrina (Daryl) Pelfrey. His pride and joy were his 7 grandchildren:Kyle Izor, Nicholas Izor, Matthew Izor, Jack Izor and April Pelfrey, Evalyn (Marshall) Bailey, and Luke Pelfrey.

Jerry was born on February 22nd, 1942, in Germantown, Ohio to Hester Marguerite and Walter Eugene Izor. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William Izor. Jerry met Ellen, the love of his life, at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and they married in 1964. Upon graduation, he pursued a career in journalism. In the early 1970’s, they moved their young family to Newark, Ohio, when he was offered the News Director position at WCLT. Newark has been their home ever since. Jerry and Ellen’s marriage changed dramatically a few years later, when they dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ. They became active members of Second Presbyterian Church where Jerry dove into ministry, serving as an Elder, Bethel Bible Study teacher and Stephen’s Ministry leader. He even learned to play the church’s historic Verdin Bell carillon and would use his lunch hour to bless Newark’s downtown with the glorious chimes.

In the 1980’s, he answered the call to pursue a career in chemical dependency counseling and received his master’s degree from Xavier University, thus launching him into a new realm of service. He devoted the next 25 years of his life to teaching, listening, and guiding his beloved clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Jerry loved to spend time with his wife Ellen and their “Izor Petting Zoo” which included countless dogs and cats, and several horses. He enjoyed reliving the stories of his childhood with his friends and family. After his father lost his life on the WW2 Battleship Indianapolis, he and his brother Bill were raised with love by his beloved grandparents and mother.

The last several years of Jerry’s life were fraught with chronic health issues and back pain, and he gradually lost his ability to walk. Jerry and Ellen’s faithful home group of Christian brothers and sisters provided loving support and brought church to him when he was unable to travel. Even up to his final days, he was joyful and content, giving thanks to Ellen for her faithful service as she cared for him in their home. His warm smile and kind words would greet the home hospice nurses and aides who supported him and Ellen. We are grateful he is no longer in pain and is dancing in heaven with the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11 was Jerry’s life verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.interim-health.com/hospice and www.lastchancecorral.org