Donald F. Jerasa, Jr., 59, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Don was born June 28, 1962, to Donald and Beverley Jerasa in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He joined a family that already included his sisters, Sharon and Debbie. Don graduated in 1980 from Ferndale Area High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Penn State. While at Penn State Don pledged and became a brother in the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity.
Throughout his life Don had a varied career in retail, beginning with the management training program at Hess’s Department Stores in Johnstown and Allentown, Pennsylvania. He held various positions in management, marketing, and as a buyer for Hess’s in Rochester, New York, Stone & Thomas in Charleston, West Virginia, and Elder Beerman in Ohio before joining NEXCOM in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He spent 23 years with NEXCOM, finishing his career as Merchandising Systems Upgrade & Support Specialist.
But Don’s life was much more than his work. Friends and family all enjoyed the bounty of his amazing talents: including scrumptious baked goods and beautiful handmade wreaths and crafts. Collections! Penguins peek from every corner of every room, surrounding the antique pictures and furniture, the brass candlesticks, and the quilts handmade by his grandma Helen Shaffer. The brightly colored Fiestaware was not only for display, but complemented the delicious meals shared with us all. And Christmas was immense at Don’s house: seven themed Christmas trees, antique glass ornaments, and more penguins dressed a house filled with the smell of his cookies and of course, the extra special family recipe nut rolls.
His father Donald and his sister Debra predeceased Don. He is survived by his beloved mom Beverley, his sister Sharon Fredlund (husband Larry Fredlund), his nephew Kevin Marioni (wife Ankhesenamun Marioni), and his great-nieces Aria and Aeva Marioni, as well as his aunt Dorothy Crnkovic, numerous cousins, and a much loved extended family of friends.
A Memorial Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive in Virginia Beach. A second Celebration service and inurnment are being planned at a later date in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
If you wish to make a donation in Don’s honor, the family invites you to make one to the charity of your choice.
Throughout his life Don had a varied career in retail, beginning with the management training program at Hess’s Department Stores in Johnstown and Allentown, Pennsylvania. He held various positions in management, marketing, and as a buyer for Hess’s in Rochester, New York, Stone & Thomas in Charleston, West Virginia, and Elder Beerman in Ohio before joining NEXCOM in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He spent 23 years with NEXCOM, finishing his career as Merchandising Systems Upgrade & Support Specialist.
But Don’s life was much more than his work. Friends and family all enjoyed the bounty of his amazing talents: including scrumptious baked goods and beautiful handmade wreaths and crafts. Collections! Penguins peek from every corner of every room, surrounding the antique pictures and furniture, the brass candlesticks, and the quilts handmade by his grandma Helen Shaffer. The brightly colored Fiestaware was not only for display, but complemented the delicious meals shared with us all. And Christmas was immense at Don’s house: seven themed Christmas trees, antique glass ornaments, and more penguins dressed a house filled with the smell of his cookies and of course, the extra special family recipe nut rolls.
His father Donald and his sister Debra predeceased Don. He is survived by his beloved mom Beverley, his sister Sharon Fredlund (husband Larry Fredlund), his nephew Kevin Marioni (wife Ankhesenamun Marioni), and his great-nieces Aria and Aeva Marioni, as well as his aunt Dorothy Crnkovic, numerous cousins, and a much loved extended family of friends.
A Memorial Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive in Virginia Beach. A second Celebration service and inurnment are being planned at a later date in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
If you wish to make a donation in Don’s honor, the family invites you to make one to the charity of your choice.
What a wonderful cousin – I still think of him as little Donny- was. We shared so many adventures as kids when our family would drive up from Maryland to see our Grandma and Grandpa and then we couldn’t wait to drive up the hill to see our cousins. We would play hide and seek and look for chipmunks and swing in the back yard. Don was the youngest and it was always fun to see the sweet little guy. You could always tell he was going to be a loving caring person. It’s hard to think of him not over there in Virginia. I loved to see the pictures when he would decorate for the holidays. We live in Arizona but I always wished he would come out and decorate my house! Hr was taken too young but God must have wanted his wonderful company now. God bless you Donny. You are always part of my heart.
Last saw Don over last Thanksgiving had dinner with him and his mom Beverly, RIP Cousin. My deepest condolences to the family.
Last saw Don over last Thanksgiving had dinner with him and his mom Beverly, RIP Cousin. My deepest condolences to the family.
I cleaned Dons home for years. He was so kind. I only was ever face to face with him one time. But, he was loyal to me, and he never got mad when I accidentally broke one of his
Beloved penguins or knick knack he had displayed. They truly meant alot to him- i could tell.
I always looked forward to his cookies during the holidays, he was a very generous, kind, organized man. I am so sorry to his family. This world
Lost a great man. RIP Don. If your family sees this, please reach out 7573900789 I have a key to his home. ♥️
Don was a generous coworker and a kind friend. I’m glad we worked together at Stone and Thomas and NEX and enjoy the memories of working and traveling together. We enjoyed a lot of laughs. Thank you for being a friend to my family and me. We miss you.
I will always remember our times together my good friend. Thanks for always being so kind. Rest In Peace..
Donnie was a Hugh part of my childhood. We spent every day playing games, building cabins in the woods and making pea shooters and beads out of the cigars on the cigar htree. I have so many memories of those early years. I particularly remember us sitting in the living room waiting to get news of the arrival of my sister Becky born on his birthday. From four squares to jump rope we had many fun hours. We were born only 16 days apart and having him leave us so soon breaks my heart.
My God provide comfort to all his family and friends who are feeling the loss of this gentle soul.
We only met Don a few times, but it says so much about a person when some one else speaks so highly of them. Don was a friend of my friends and made a huge impact on their lives. That ripple effect of friendship will live on forever. Don, rest in peace knowing your memories have a forever home in your friend’s hearts!
may your memory be eternal and forevever in our hearts and lives. I am grateful for all the time i got to spend with you at work, and on travel, I was always touched by the intrictate details that you provided and how we shared a mutual love of collecting! I will miss you but forever hold you in my heart.
I remember you at our house all the time waiting to play with Stephanie and Annie everyday. We lovingly called you Fred. We even named our dog after you , Donafred! Even though I personally never played with you, being older, my sisters enjoyed you company especially over the summer playing badminton and croquet!!’ Rest In Peace