Jerry A. Hlad, age 77, passed away on December 23rd, 2022 into the arms of his Lord and Savior & Jesus Christ. He was born on April 7th, 1945 in Pittsburgh, PA. He is survived by his wife: Louise E. Hlad and children: April J. Hlad, daughter & Melissa Louise (Matthew) Radcliff, Daughter/Granddaughter & Kimberly R. Haffner, Stepdaughter.
Jerry was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a Helicopter Door Gunner Crew Chief in the Vietnam War. He was a decorated Veteran receiving 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, The Army Commendation and The Metal Ninth Oak Leaf Cluster. He was shot down 6 times and injured in his Helicopter by enemy air strikes and survived them all.
After Vietnam, Jerry went on to work for Eastern Airlines for 23 years as an Aircraft Technician until the Airlines ceased operations and declared bankruptcy. Jerry was a wonderful loving Husband and loved his family dearly, because of his great sense of humor & selflessness, Jerry was loved and admired by many people. He loved his Sunday school Brothers and Sisters from the Heavenly Hearts Class.
He was blessed by his Grandchildren: Macgyver, Ashley and Amanda. Also he had 11 Great Grandchildren: Logan, Austin, Masin, Nehemiah, Maven, Mabri, Maxen, Madax, Cayden, Jazelyn and Brycen, that he adored.
I miss my “bro” and our discussions about jobs, encounters with like and the shape of our USA among others. Jerry was one of the few Vietnam vets of all my friends. We enjoyed a special bond being at the same place in the same war. Toughest man I’ve ever known.
Enjoy your glorious home in eternity! Love ya bro.
I love and miss you so much poppa, I just want to hug you one more time. I know you are resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus. I love you always ❤️ Err
I love you so much Dad. I will miss you until we are reunited in Heaven.
I worked with and around Jerry in our other life at Eastern Airlines and in the beginning we never mentioned our service in Vietnam and also others talked about it. After many years I heard some talk that Jerry had served and we had a little talk not in depth just glossed over enough to know each other’s involvement. It was not till many years later when we had a reunion of sorts Jerry showed up wearing his vest of Honor and I did see him in a photo once he was wearing it. Looking at his accomplishments on his breast said it all. We talked and I could see how he was able to handle it all with his humor and Ihave the deepest respect for him . Rest well Jerry.
I knew Jerry from my days at Eastern Airlines. He was a great guy and well liked by all who knew him. His personality could win over anyone. My A&P license was still drying when I started at Eastern yet Jerry was helpful and supportive even though I was the FNG. You will be missed Jerry. My experience at Eastern Airlines was even more memorable by meeting and knowing you. Godspeed.
Worked with Jerry back in the 80’s at Eastern. I was the new inexperienced kid at work, also from Pittsburgh, Jerry and I became fast friends. Jerry’s great sense of humor always made everything more fun at work to our morning golf outings after work. Will always cherish those times. Rest in peace my friend.
Jerry was a true friend!!! I have much Love for my Vietnam Warrior & a Brother in CHRIST JESUS!!! Peace JEHOVAH SHALOM to the familt!¡
JERRY; As you pass through St Peter’s gates remember that the antics that YOU pulled here on Earth may Not go over so well there. You put a smile on so many faces on a Daily basis at Eastern, and in life. You are Going to be MISSED.
I am very glad I got to know him for a few years when I lived in Florida. He and his wife were good friends and quality people.