Gerald E. West, 78, Lorain Telephone Retiree
Gerald E. West, 78, of Ft. Myers, Florida and formerly of Lorain, died January 8, 2003 in Ft. Myers. He was born July 3, 1924 in Lorain and had resided in Ft. Myers for the past 9 months moving from Lehigh Acres, Florida. He had lived most of his life in Lorain.
Mr. West served with the US Air Force during World War II. He piloted C47 cargo planes, which transported paratroopers and wounded soldiers. He worked as a supervisor at the Lorain Telephone Company for 36 years retiring in 1982.
Mr. West took up a part time career as a photographer and had several motorcycle racing photos published in magazines. He traveled to Florida to photograph the Daytona 500 and later Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years Sophia Marion West of Ft. Myers, FL, son Donald B. West of Lorain, daughter Karen L. Janosik of Lorain; 4 grandsons and 1 great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his first wife Irene West in 1983, parents Norman & Helen (nee Hopp) West and sister Madelyn Christensen.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday January 22 at 9:30 AM in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Daniel O. Divis, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church of Lorain, will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to the donor's choice.