Gerard Spratt

Gerard J. Spratt, "Jerry" 84, of Port Ewen, NY, passed away on August 8, 2023 at the North East Center in Lake Katrine.  Gerard was born on August 14, 1938 to Hugh C. Spratt and Helen V. Reilly Spratt in Troy, NY. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1956, he went on to study at Rensselaer PolyTechnic Institute and then University at Albany, ultimately receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in History in 1961.

After graduating from college, he started his teaching career in 1961 at Kingston High School teaching English for one year then History for 34 years, retiring in 1996 after 35 years.  Jerry was passionate about teaching. He was very proud that the class of 1969 dedicated the yearbook to him and was extremely honored  when the class invited him to their 50th reunion in 2019.  He also served as Newspaper Advisor from 1969 - 1977, Pep Club Advisor, Varsity Club and Class advisor to several classes.

Jerry was enthusiastic about high school sports and served as the voice of the Kingston Tigers for over 30 years, announcing baseball, basketball and football games.  He also announced games for the N.Y.S.H.S.A.A. Section IX for many years as well.  Many people can remember Jerry’s voice echoing throughout uptown Kingston from Dietz Stadium riling up fans and pumping up his beloved Kingston Tigers Football Team. 

He had many fond memories growing up in Troy, New York with  his friends and relatives. All of his relatives were very close to his heart even after moving to Kingston in 1961 and enjoyed his memories of being with them.

Jerry enjoyed running races, especially the Kingston Classic and Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.  He enjoyed golf, bowling and played softball and tennis in his younger years.  He loved summer and was a true sun worshiper. 

Jerry loved the New York Yankees.  Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s Jerry loved to attend the Albany-Colonie Yankee games. His favorite player was Bernie Williams, who Jerry followed from his time with the AC Yankees, throughout his career and ultimately attended his retirement dedication at Yankee Stadium on May 25, 2015.  He was also a Jets fan and was once a season ticket holder.

He loved to vacation in Ocean City, Maryland and would talk about vacationing there throughout his final days.
Jerry is survived by his dear friend and loving companion of 34 years, Ann P. Miriello, her brother Joseph F. Leone and Ann’s son Jeffrey J. Miriello, his fiance Karen Zanos and their son Luca Miriello.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the Kingston Health Alliance Hospital, The North East Head & Brain Rehabilitation Center and The Premier PT at the North East Center for the excellent care from the workers, who went above and beyond to help and care for him during his final months.  We could not have done his comfort care without these dedicated workers especially from The Premier PT NE Center.   

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Sunday August 13th 2023 from 2 – 5 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Kingston on Monday August 14th at 10am.  Burial to follow in St. Mary’s of Troy Cemetery, Troy, NY.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s name can be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org   A tribute for Jerry can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.