Gerald E. Pius

GERALD E. PIUS

Age 80, of New Lenox passed away on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 at his home in New Lenox.

Jerry is survived by his loving family, daughters, Jeri (Gene) Savaria, Kari (Jim) Baker, grandchildren, Kadie (Vinny) Crudo, Gino Savaria, Noah Savaria, Sophia Baker, Stella Baker and companion Mary K. Cardwell.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Edward & Ines Pius (DeToffel), wife, Marylynn Pius (Buchar) and sister Jeanne Hart.

Jerry graduated from Lockport High School in 1959, he received 8 Varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball; he then attended Joliet Junior College from 1959 to 1961 and was selected to the JJC Athletic Hall of Fame and went on to graduate from Northern Illinois University in 1963.

As coach of the Joliet Central Steelmen baseball team he successfully achieved a 151-50 record, 1976 Illinois Coach of the Year, held 4 consecutive I-8 Conference Championships, 3 Regional Titles, 1 Sectional, 2nd place at State and 4 of his players were drafted into MLB.

Jerry dedicated his life to education for over 50 years, he was an integral part of the Lincoln-Way School District 210 for over 30 years as an Assistant Superintendent and Principal of Lincoln-Way Central. He made significant contributions to school safety, student achievement and overall creating Lincoln-Way’s reputation as a school of excellence.

Jerry continued to consult and mentor administrators, teachers and athletes on the Lincoln “Way” beyond retirement and was the recipient of many awards recognizing his community contributions.

Jerry loved his family, friends, and community and inspired so many. To know him was to admire, respect and love him.

A Celebration of Life of will be held on June 18th, 2022 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Gatto's 1938 E. Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL 60451. At approximately 5:30 PM we will pause for a welcome, and at this time, if anyone would like to speak, share a memory, or a story we would encourage you to do so..

We will also have baskets to raffle off and will be accepting donations (Cash or Check only) with all proceeds going to the Annual Jerry Pius Memorial Scholarship Fund at LIncoln-Way Central.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jerry Pius Scholarship fund would be appreciated.