Gerald Stanley Kolenda, 72, of Staatsburg, died June 15, 2023, at the Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital following a short illness.

A Poughkeepsie native, he was born October 26, 1950, to the late Walter and Romualda (Heger) Kolenda. He was a 1968 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School and graduated from Marist College in 1972.

He worked in banking for many years as an auditor and residential appraiser before finding his dream job at the FDR Library and Museum in Hyde Park, retiring in 2011.

Jerry loved being outdoors and spent his youth swimming and playing baseball. Other interests included playing guitar, the Byrds, radio-controlled airplanes, MG sports cars, and hiking the local parks. In recent years he was a familiar sight walking through the neighborhood enjoying nature.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, the former Patricia Bruns; daughter, Julie, of Rochester; and son, John, of Staatsburg. Additional survivors include his brother, Rich (Denise) of New Port Richey, FL; sister, Janet (Kenneth) Kraft of Hyde Park; a nephew and a great nephew. He will be forever missed by Timmy, his favorite lap cat.

Per Jerry's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no calling hours, and the burial of his ashes will be private.

Donations in Jerry's memory may be made to Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave, Hyde Park, NY 12538. (www.dcspca.com)

Arrangements are by Sweet's Funeral Home, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, please visit Jerry's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.