Gerald Thomas Misiak

Born on March 15, 1944, and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, Jerry spent his youth enjoying summers on the Jersey Shore working as a dashingly handsome lifeguard—a time that sparked a lifelong love for the beach, the boardwalk, and the vibrant energy of the coast. Jerry went on to answer the call of his country, serving with honor and distinction as a soldier in the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life of which he was profoundly proud.

To know Jerry was to know joy. He was a man who truly lit up every room he walked into, armed with an unforgettable smile, an outgoing personality, and a sharp, infectious sense of humor. He never met a stranger he didn't like, loved to dance, possessed a deep passion for the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and had a remarkably generous spirit. He was also the proud original owner of a '67 Corvette, a prized possession he kept and cherished until the very end. Above all else, Jerry was fiercely loyal. He loved his family with every ounce of his being and would defend them until the absolute end.

Jerry’s legacy of love, laughter, and strength lives on through his beloved wife, Judith Misiak, and his four children and eight grandchildren, who were his absolute pride and joy: Sherry and her husband Tom Treney, and their son Alex; Tracie Ricksgers, and her children Anslee and Mason; Chris and his wife Jen Misiak, and their children Christopher, Brody, and Michael; and Jamie and her husband Brian Vinciguerra, and their children Daine and Leigh.

Jerry passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on May 27, 2026. He will be deeply missed, but his laughter will echo in the hearts of his family forever, and his signature smile will never be forgotten. As he'd be the first to tell you, "He was one helluva guy."

Funeral arrangements and burial in Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains NJ will be private and under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Flemington NJ.  We would all like to remember, reflect and celebrate a man whose joy, laughter and spirit will live on with each of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jerry's honor to the Associates Of Vietnam Veterans Of America or the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, Inc. by clicking the links below.