Jerome "Jerry" T. Bontempo

September 30, 1939 - February 6, 2020

Jerome T. “Jerry” Bontempo, age 80, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at University Hospital in Cleveland after a brief illness. He was born on September 30, 1939 in Cleveland, and has been a resident of Sheffield Lake for the past 28 years, moving from North Ridgeville where the family lived for 25 years. After growing up in Parma and graduating from Parma High School, Jerry earned his bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace College, a Master’s Degree from Case Western University and an “All But the Dissertation” Ph.D. from the University of Akron. He then spent the better part of his professional career as a teacher and principal. He was an elementary principal in the North Ridgeville and Fairview Park School Districts, before retiring as Business Manager for the Strongsville School District in 1998. He coached youth football leagues in both Parma and North Ridgeville, as well as refereeing high school football and wrestling events in Greater Cleveland. In his free time, Jerry was a voracious reader and snorer. His love of books lent him to write a children’s book with a dear friend and colleague. He was an avid sports fan, and unfortunately a lifelong Browns fan. He was one to tinker and found great pleasure in intricate woodworking projects. Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marianne (nee Kuhel); sons Scott (Sharon) Bontempo, Brian (Lisa) Bontempo (children Garrett and Michael); Wayne (Vicki) Bontempo (children Hillary (Logan) Bowles and Zach (Amanda Kelly) Bontempo); brother-in-laws Loree Soggs and Chuck Kuhel; nephews Ken and Tom; nieces Tiffany and Jessica. He was preceded in death by his parents Salvatore (Tony) and Vennerada (Verna) (nee Cappellia) Bontempo; sister Barbara Soggs; niece Karee Soggs. Family will receive friends Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 12:00 pm until the time of service at 2:30 pm at Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville. Rev Bill Shomo will officiate. The family suggests contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1375 East 9th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.