Jerome "Jerry" Kolaski, Jr.

Jerry (Jerome) A. Kolaski Jr., 47, of Joliet, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025 surrounded by family.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 27 Years, Jennie (née Dryja); son, Jerry III; daughter, Jordan (Austin) Fawley; son, Jayson; grandson, Braylen; father, Jerry Sr.; sister, Dawn (Matthew Sr.) Schreiner; brother, Joe (Nancy); sister, Rose (Joe) Mantucca; and brother-in-law, John Dryja. Jerry was a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews, Matthew Jr. and Laura Schreiner, Johnny and Joey Kolaski, Giuliana and Brooklyn Mantucca. Many cousins, aunts, uncles and close friends also survive.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Teri (née Adamowski); grandparents, Leon Sr. and Rose Kolaski, Henry and Deloris Adamowski; and uncles, Leon Kolaski Jr., Dennis Kolaski and Billy Adamowski.

Jerry was born and raised in Norridge, IL, and had a large group of neighborhood friends, whose friendships continued as they grew older.

Jerry was a 1992 graduate of Divine Savior Grammar School, and a 1996 Graduate of St. Patrick High School, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and a manager for the football and swimming teams. He attended Lewis University and Triton College. He worked as a route driver for Cloverleaf dairy before he started his career as a boom truck driver and crane operator for WMF Meyer Plumbing Supply in Crest Hill.

Those who knew Jerry knew how knowledgeable he was. Jerry wasn’t afraid to tackle any project. It seemed as if he was always on call when somebody needed a helping hand or to repair something. He never refused to give a helping hand. He worked hard and wanted his projects to be done right and wasn’t afraid to take advice or try something new.

Jerry was Very Active in his parish St. Ambrose and a 7th grade religious education teacher for many years. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus St. Ignatius of Loyola Council #15713.

Jerry was very active with the Cub and Boy Scouts. As a very active Den leader and Cubmaster. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the Scouts on projects and doing camping trips.

In his leisure he loved to play 500 Rummy and found great interest in crafting and woodworking projects. He loved collecting and listening to good, and some crazy LP’s (Records) and Movies. In his latest interest model trains and collecting Plasticville Houses he couldn’t pass up a good deal. He, like his mother, loved Christmas whether it was music or decorations. The holidays won’t be the same without his touch.

Unfortunately, the best laid plans DO sometimes go astray. He planned a family cruise for early December, but the good Lord had other plans for him.

Jerry will be sorely missed for his strength and endless help and guidance. All who knew him loved him and will miss him.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family would be greatly appreciated.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Carlo Acutis (formerly St. Ambrose) Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.