The Final Toss

 Service for Jerry Smarik

at St Pius X Catholic Church

Family, friends and 22 members of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers said their final goodbye to Jerry Smarik this morning at St Pius X Catholic Church.

Smarik, known as the "Iron Man" on the TOTS, played over a quarter of a century (1991-2020) for the amateur baseball organization. Jerry passed away on March 10, 2020 at the age of 88. Due to the coronavirus, Jerry's service was delayed until this morning as Father Harry singlehandedly performed the emotional ceremony as only, well as only, Father Harry could.

Father Harry's final gesture: An autographed baseball, signed by all of Jerry's teammates, nestled in the palm of Father Harry's right hand. The Irish Priest smiled, tossed the ball in the air and the ball quickly fell back into the palm of his hand -- the final toss -- signifying a life well lived by Jerry Smarik -- a husband, a father, a ball player, a swimmer, a saxophone and a harmonica player.

I life well lived, along with his lovely wife, Sharon. They spent  63 beautiful years together.

Rest In Peace, Jerry!