Obituary for Geraldine A. Szurgot (Skuczas)
Geraldine ‘Jeri’ Szurgot-Merinsky passed peacefully Sunday April 23rd in the home
she has shared with Victor Merinsky for the past 13 years.
Born in Reading in February 1937, Jeri was the daughter of the late Alda High. She
was a 1955 graduate of Reading Catholic High School. Jeri began working at American
Bank and Trust shortly after graduation. While raising her family through the 60’s and
70’s Jeri worked in telephone sales. In the late 70’s she began employment with The Little
Red Shoe House in Mt. Penn working her way up to Store Manager at the Exeter Promenade
location until its closing. Jeri then began her career as a Dental Assistant with Dr. Robert Noga
in West Lawn working with him until her retirement.
Through the years Jeri was known for her beautiful singing voice and performed at many events.
In addition to her love of vocal music Jeri also loved listening to and dancing to Polkas. She
regularly attended local and regional events, always with a smile on her face and a spring in her
step. Jeri was a member of the Polish-American Heritage Association of Berks County, the
Reading Liederkranz, The Evergreen Country Club Heimatbund and the Coplay Saengerbund.
In addition to Victor, Jeri is survived by her son Ronald (Jean) Szurgot of Shillington, daughter
Reine (Frank) Moyer of Birdsboro and brother Robert Palcak of Reading, seven grandchildren
and five great-grandsons. She was predeceased by husband Ronald Szurgot, daughter Kristin
Shaffer and brother Richard Palcak.
Viewing for Jeri will be held at Kuhn Funeral Home in West Reading from 6:00 – 9:00 PM on
Monday May 1st. Per Jeri’s request everyone attending is asked to wear brightly colored
clothing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Baptist de la Salle RC Church in
Shillington at 10:00 AM on Tuesday May 2nd with burial to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
she has shared with Victor Merinsky for the past 13 years.
Born in Reading in February 1937, Jeri was the daughter of the late Alda High. She
was a 1955 graduate of Reading Catholic High School. Jeri began working at American
Bank and Trust shortly after graduation. While raising her family through the 60’s and
70’s Jeri worked in telephone sales. In the late 70’s she began employment with The Little
Red Shoe House in Mt. Penn working her way up to Store Manager at the Exeter Promenade
location until its closing. Jeri then began her career as a Dental Assistant with Dr. Robert Noga
in West Lawn working with him until her retirement.
Through the years Jeri was known for her beautiful singing voice and performed at many events.
In addition to her love of vocal music Jeri also loved listening to and dancing to Polkas. She
regularly attended local and regional events, always with a smile on her face and a spring in her
step. Jeri was a member of the Polish-American Heritage Association of Berks County, the
Reading Liederkranz, The Evergreen Country Club Heimatbund and the Coplay Saengerbund.
In addition to Victor, Jeri is survived by her son Ronald (Jean) Szurgot of Shillington, daughter
Reine (Frank) Moyer of Birdsboro and brother Robert Palcak of Reading, seven grandchildren
and five great-grandsons. She was predeceased by husband Ronald Szurgot, daughter Kristin
Shaffer and brother Richard Palcak.
Viewing for Jeri will be held at Kuhn Funeral Home in West Reading from 6:00 – 9:00 PM on
Monday May 1st. Per Jeri’s request everyone attending is asked to wear brightly colored
clothing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Baptist de la Salle RC Church in
Shillington at 10:00 AM on Tuesday May 2nd with burial to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.