Jerry J. Hottinger

A funeral service for Jerry J. Hottinger, age 70, of Newark, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Myers officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark.Jerry was born June 19, 1944 in Newark, Ohio to the late Walter and Mary Hottinger. Jerry passed away during the early morning hours of Monday, October 6, 2014, with Jolene at his bedside, after being diagnosed with cancer in January 2014.Jerry grew up in the old part of Newark called the Flats. He and his late wife, Lois, raised two daughters and two sons, enjoying family life with trips to amusement parks, family gatherings and picnics.Jerry started his career for the City of Newark as a mechanic for the Newark Police Department, later retiring from Newark Asphalt/Kokosing as the head heavy-duty truck mechanic earning many achievement awards. Jerry loved and enjoyed his work immensely.After 50 years in the same neighborhood, there were no strangers to Jerry. He was a friend to all and the go-to person in his neighborhood, always willing to lend a helping hand to all.For the past six and one-half years, Jerry and Jolene have opened their home and hearts to daily dinners, cookouts and parties for family and friends. They both enjoyed cooking together. Jerry loved cooking his famous spaghetti sauce. He thoroughly enjoyed and loved the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a house full of loved ones.Jerry and Jolene enjoyed their time together tending to their array of plants and flowers, going on short trips, and entertaining. They both knew that they were blessed to be able to love and enjoy one another during a later stage of life. Jerry was an honorable, bigger-than-life man who always had a smile on his face for all. He woke up in a good mood every morning and loved keeping busy. To Jerry, all days were good and he enjoyed life to the fullest. Jerrys favorite thing to do after retirement was to work on pavers and dump trucks in his garage for his good friend, Bobby Richardson.Jerry leaves behind his loving fianc and companion, Jolene E. Dupler; his sons, Terry and Jay Hottinger, both of Newark; daughters, Vickie Hottinger and Donna Ross, both of Newark; sister, Priscilla Tillie Faller of Newark; brother, Jack Hottinger (Katie) of Tooele, Utah; his dearest, closest friend and neighbor of 35 years, Jeffrey Humble; a special nephew and neighbor, Deano Hottinger; grandsons, granddaughters, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Hottinger; sisters, Merlie and Dorothy Hottinger; brothers, Harold Fuzz, Dave, Dick, Bob, Bill and Jake Hottinger and Charles Pepper Lees.Jerry will be missed so much by family and friends, including his beloved pets: Taterbug, Muffin, Panda Bear and Max.The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jacqueline Jones and her staff, Hospice nurses, aides and staff for being there for Jerry and family with care and comfort and Reverend Tom Myers for his compassion and support.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for the Hottinger family.