Gerald A. Szuter

Gerald A. Szuter, 83, was called home to be with our eternal father on April 17, 2026. Returning from California to spend his final years closer to family, he enjoyed those in a beautiful home with his wife and daughter. After several years battling vascular dementia, he went peacefully, spending his final days at Hospice of the Western Reserve with family at his bedside. 

Beloved husband of Gerri Barbara Szuter (nee Wysocki); Loving father of David William (Jennifer), Shana Beth Meyer; Cherished grandfather of Mikayla Miller (Szuter), Katharine Szuter, Lauren Szuter, Zachary Szuter and Sarah Meyer; Great grandfather of Nora Kerr, Bellamy Castro-Szuter, and one on the way; Dear brother of Martin Szutter, Donna Ribar, twin Geraldine Pochatek (Eddie), Stephen Szuter (the late Karin), the late Christopher Szuter, the late Thomas Szuter; Caring uncle of Mark Pochatek, Deanna Szuter, Christopher Szuter, Jeff Wysocki, Trent Wysocki, Ashley Sutliff, the late Robert Ribar, and the late Brian Pochatek. 

Born August 7, 1942, minutes after his twin, Geraldine Pochatek in Cleveland, Ohio where he spent his earliest years before moving to Lakewood, Ohio. He attended St. Cyril & Methodius elementary, Emerson Middle School, and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1961. While attending Engineering school he was called by Uncle Sam to serve his country in Vietnam from 1964-65 attaining the rank of E5, Specialist Sergeant. His role as a machinist did not protect him from the horrors of war and his experience had a profound impact on his life. After the war he married Gerri Wysocki and began his career and family.

His career as a machinist included time spent twice with United Airlines, a company he loved working for as all things aviation fascinated him. He ended his career in 2005 after moving into Aviation Maintenance Administration for United at the San Francisco maintenance base, the second largest in the world at that time (taking on the role of 3 admins through attrition). Between his time at United he ran the machine shops at both Litton Manufacturing (Grass Valley, CA) and Wardwell Manufacturing (Cleveland, OH) with owner Bill Laufer. Gerald was recognized for his engineering achievements and groundbreaking collaborations. 

From his earliest years he was a passionate car enthusiast and racer. His Olds powered 1932 Ford Cabriolet was a consistent trophy winner at Norwalk, Dragway 42, and Thompson (and on the street). Later in life he would race for land speed records at El Mirage and Bonneville as part of team Fox, Williams, & Szuter holding several records at the time.

Sailing filled another passion and while racing on the San Fransico Bay during his first California stay, he mastered the skill. While moving back to California from Ohio he took his family sailing in Florida for three weeks, sharing his love of the open water. Having his own boat, he would go out for the quiet peace on the water, and he would talk about his dream of sailing the world. He would often go out on the bay with his dog as his only crew while living in Burlingame, California. He had a deep love for animals, especially the dogs he had throughout the years, and a fondness for birdwatching.

While his hobbies satisfied his mechanical interests his family occupied his heart. A devoted husband (59 years) and father of two; he always had time for family. His dad was his fishing buddy, a skill he taught his children along with skiing in California, gymnastic classes with Shana, and as a Cub Scout Den Father with David. He spent many frustrating hours at the dinner table helping with homework and always had time to talk. Becoming a grandfather and great grandfather made him beam with delight.

Gerald will be remembered by all for his kindness, humility, and listening while giving few words filled with wisdom. He gave his children these simple bits of advice regularly, “don’t lie" "whatever you do, do your best", and "give everyone the benefit of the doubt until they prove you wrong.”

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: https://www.savethesalt.org. A nonprofit dedicated to saving the Bonneville Salt Flats, a place Gerald deeply admired and raced. Thank you.

Friends may call at the FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD. (ST. RT. 82) SAGAMORE HILLS, Funeral Monday 9:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Gerald’s life 11 a.m. The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, 3649 E. 65th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44105. Inurnment St. Mary Cemetery, Cuyahoga Heights.

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