It
is with deep regret we note the passing of Jerry Sandell, one of the members of
the WILP Board of Directors.
Jerry played football, basketball, and baseball at
Wesleyville High school. In the
two years that he played, he earned six varsity letters, two in each of the
sports in which he excelled. He
attended Edinboro University and continued his love of sports as for two years
he played college football and basketball. Jerry served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean
War and even then continued playing baseball with the U. S. Army team that won
the Far East championship. There seems to be no end to Jerry’s sports career as
he played in the Glenwood baseball league for two years and played three
seasons with the Erie Lakers, a semi-pro football team.
Jerry came back to his alma mater (only now it was called
Iroquois High School) and was the head coach of the undefeated and unscored
upon eighth grade football team.
He also found time to assist the varsity program. Jerry gave of his time and coaching
talents to lead a Lawrence Park Little League team to an undefeated
season. He also shared these
talents with a Millcreek Youth Athletic Association girls softball and
basketball teams from 1994-1999 and was head coach of the MYAA boys baseball teams
from 1996-2000.
The umpiring world also benefited from Jerry’s talents as he
was a member of the Erie County Baseball Umpires Association from
1969-1984. His community activities
included East Lake Jaycees, YMCA, the Millcreek Area Kiwanis Club, and a
Charter Member of the WILP Board of Directors. Jerry’s life is an example of unselfish devotion to others,
both in his vocation working with the Harborcreek Youth Services for more than
30 years, and in his personal life by giving countless hours of volunteer
services to youth organizations.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Mary Kay, and to
his children Michael, Matthew, Kyle, Tracy, and Megan. They have the memories of a
husband/father who lived a life of service. The qualities that those individuals who are inducted into
the WILP Hall of Fame possess are the qualities that Jerry Sandell embodied in
his lifetime.
Return to Special Awards
