Obituary of Jerome Milton Laski

Jerome "Jerry" M. Laski, 65, of Chantilly, VA, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, after battling stage four cancer for 15 months. Jerry was born January 25, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, to Maurice "Mo" and Josephine "Josie" Laski. He was a 1963 graduate of Roosevelt High School in South St. Louis, MO, where he earned his letterman's jacket in track and field and started dating his high school sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Sandra Stubbs Laski. Jerry graduated from the University of Missouri, St. Louis with a bachelor's degree in administration of justice. He went on to receive his master's in urban affairs from St. Louis University. Jerry was a retired Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, where he served his country for 24 years. Following his retirement from the Secret Service, he worked with the Holocaust Museum as an assistant security director and then with the Office of Personnel Management. Before joining the Secret Service, he served as a detective/patrol officer with the St. Louis police department for 10 years. When not solving cases in law enforcement, he was everyone's car expert next door. Jerry never met a hood he couldn't open or an engine he couldn't make faster and more efficient. Horsepower and foot pounds of torque were his goal in every engine. His 1973 Cougar was his labor of love for the past 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Laski, his children Jacqueline (Glen) Mays of Orlando, FL; and Gregory (Kelli) Laski of Canton, MI. The light of his life were his grandchildren: Stephanie, Michael, Sydney and Hunter Mays and Tyler and Adam Laski. He is also survived by his siblings, Joseph, J. Michael, James, Jon, Jeff, and Joel Laski and Joanne Rothweiler, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dear thanks to Dr. Frederick Smith and his amazing staff at Sibley Hospital who took outstanding care of Jerry and allowed us to have more time with him. We'd also like to thank the hospice care team at Capital Hospice for the compassion they showed, and family and friends for all the support. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon, VA, Thursday, January 20, 5 to 8 pm. A Memorial Service will be offered on Friday, January 21 at 11 am at St. Theresa's at 21370 St. Theresa's Lane, Ashburn Virginia. Those who wish may make a donation to Capital Hospice , the Association of Former Agents United States Secret Service Scholarship Fund and Caringbridge.org. Donations checks to the Scholarship Fund should be written on behalf of Jerry Laski and should be sent to AFAUSSS, 525 SW 5th St., Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50309-4501.