ONEONTA – Gerald "Jerry" I. Mowers, 63, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 18, 2015.

Jerry was born March 31, 1952 in Fort Dix, NJ, the eldest child of Gordon and Betty (Kingsley) Mowers.

The family moved to Oneonta shortly after his birth where he spent most of his life. From 1966 to 1977 he worked at the family Gulf station on Southside with his parents, brothers, and sister. In 1974, Jerry was appointed call with the Oneonta Fire Department, and became full time January 7, 1979. He was the secretary for many years. He served on the department for 25 years retiring September 13, 1999. Since that time Jerry has done odd jobs such as working for Sawyers Cleaners and delivering for Foti's bakery.

Jerry enjoyed his greyhounds, lottery tickets, trips to the casino and his Tuesday morning breakfast with his siblings.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Vickie (Merritt) Hunt, brothers, Rodney Mowers, and Randy (Karen) Mowers, all of Oneonta; his nieces and nephews, Angela (Bill) Uhl of Rotterdam, Daniel (Maria) Otten of Deerfield Beach, Fla., Kristen Mowers of Virginia Beach, Va., Jeffrey Mowers of Oneonta, and Cherokee Mowers of Mt. Upton; a great-niece and great-nephews; his aunt, Mildred Mowers of Grand Gorge; and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Gordon in 1999 and his mother, Betty in 2005.

Calling hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. The Funeral will start at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Roy VanDermark, officiating.

Interment will follow at Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oneonta Fire Department Rescue Fund, 81 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Online condolences may sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com