Jerome "Jerry" Edward Laycak

Jerome (Jerry) Laycak, born in Rankin, PA. on October 18th, 1949, passed away on April 24th, 2024 at age 74.  Embracing his remembrance is the love of his life, Margaret (Maggie) Andersen, along with his brother, two sisters , 5 daughters and many much loved grandchildren.

Jerry was always enthralled with both listening and playing music.  From his early years to late adulthood, he loved playing the guitar…and was very good at it.  In his teen years in the 60s, he and some other friends started a rock group call “The Torres”.  The group played at local school events and cut a demo recording that aired on the local radio station. 

Jerry also served in the U.S. Marine Corp. working on the Harrier vertical takeoff airplane. He always maintained a strong attachment to the Marine’s “Semper Fi” credo.

Following his service years, Jerry and his family lived in Atlanta, GA. where he published articles for the local newspaper.  This became the impetus for Jerry’s future engagement in other public affairs.

Following Jerry’s return to the place of his upbringing, he worked for the United States Steel Corporation in Clairton, PA. until his retirement.  During that period, he became an avid voice for the Steelworker’s Union and it’s affiliation with the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania.

During Jerry’s retirement journey, he and his brother recorded a blend of guitar and their vocals for over 150 cover songs from the 60s and 70s.

 In one’s journey through life, as was the case for Jerry, not all winds are predictable, however.  His development of cancer late in life was such a path altering force.  Although he fought the fight for many years and appeared to have beaten that foe, it became all too formidable with its return. 

Jerry’s music will still be with us through our thoughts of him which will strum everlasting, melodic chords within our hearts.

Semper Fi, Jerry…Semper Fi.