Very Reverend Gerald S. Ozlanski reposed in the Lord August 3, 2024. He was the pastor of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Father Jerry was born September 27, 1939 in Mt. Carmel, PA where he resided through high school. Following that he served active duty in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, at Fort Eustis, VA . He attended Millersville State College, Millersville, PA and then worked as an engineer, starting his career with Air Products and Chemicals and retiring from Keysor Century as a plastics engineer. Simultaneously, in 1977, he started his theological studies at St. Sophia Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ. Upon graduation he was ordained to the priesthood by then +Bishop Antony at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE on January 25, 1987.
Fr. Jerry’s first Parish assignment was at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Parish in Northampton, PA. His second assignment was to Dormition of the Mother of God - St. Mary Parish in Chester, PA where he served as Pastor for 30+ years. Although he officially retired in 2023, he continued to serve the church as pastor until his repose.
Fr. Jerry met the love of his life Maryann on a blind date and they married June 10, 1961. They relocated to the Northern Delaware area where together they raised 2 daughters. Fr. Jerry passionately pursued many hobbies during his lifetime including raising tropical fish and prize-winning orchids, collecting antiques such as Victrola music boxes and collected and shot black powder flint lock rifles. In addition, he played bugle with the Archer-Epler Musketeers Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps in Upper Darby, PA. He was always looking for fun and exciting things to do with his family such as going to live shows and musicals. Phantom of the Opera was his favorite! Spending time with his daughters and families was so important to him. He truly treasured the time with his grandchildren who gave him such joy.
Fr. Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years Maryann; daughters Cheryl Lane (Jay), Sandy Ludlow (Robert); grandchildren Jason and Jenna Ludlow; sister Judith Renn of Sunbury, PA and nephews Dale and Kirk Renn.
A public visitation will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809 on Friday, August 9 from 5-7 pm. A Priest’s Funeral Service begins at 7 pm.
Divine Liturgy service will be celebrated by His Eminence, Metropolitan Antony and visiting clergy Saturday, August 10, at Saints Peter and Paul Church at 10 am. Interment will follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, (Delaware County) PA. All are welcome.
