GUILDERLAND – Gerald W. “Jerry” Hackstadt, 67, died Thursday, April 11, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born in Hoboken, NJ. His family moved to the Albany area in 1964 where he met and married his bride of 46 years, Debra, and together they built a home.
Jerry enjoyed the casinos in Las Vegas and was a member of the Polish American Citizens Club as well as the Zaloga Post. Jerry loved life, and that was evident whenever he was around. Jerry was a real straight shooter, a true friend to all, and he always had a great story to tell. Jerry had a special relationship with his dogs Paige, Fancy, Chloe and Chevy. He retired from CDTA after many years of faithful service, having won many awards for safety.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Debra Gray Hackstadt; his son Gerald (Traci) Hackstadt; and his daughter Danielle Hackstadt (Brian Below). He was the beloved Poppy of Taylor, Jake and Victoria Hackstadt and Brianna and Brody Below, and special Poppy to Ansley Wells. He is also survived by his sister Diane (Joseph) Welter, and his best friend of over 50 years, Joseph (Patricia) Montana. Jerry was predeceased by his parents George and Margaret (Quinlan) Hackstadt, and his brothers George and Robert.
Jerry’s family would like to send special thanks to the staff of St. Peters ICU unit. You have shown us that angels truly do walk among us.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 8:15am, and 9:00am in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St. (behind CVS), Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3 until 7 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Dianne Wells
April 12, 2019 at 6:04 pmTo all that ever had met Jerry, his laughter, wit, charm, and endless love and affection towards his family and beloved wife Debbie, was always prominent. Through the years he fought hard and showed a strong desire to stay as long as he could. A minute will not go by that his shine, soul and presence will not be missed. It has been an honor meeting, laughing and smiling with such a great loving and caring man. May you Rest In Peace Jerry.
Kelly Keefer
April 12, 2019 at 7:39 pmDanielle, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family. I know your dad will always be watching over you all protecting you.
Kelly
Kelly Keefer
April 12, 2019 at 7:40 pmDanielle, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family. I know your dad will always be watching over you all protecting you.
Karl Herbst
April 12, 2019 at 8:19 pmThere is a Belt line express up above with your name on it and they all know your on the way with your paper in pants. The pick is over and the route begins the lord says I’m not touching this one he truly is a legend at the wheel. It was a honor to work with you and a pleasure to call you friend. You were a inspiration to many and a “CLOWN” at it’s best. You brought laughter and joy to everyone you new. Hero’s come and go Jerry but you my friend and yes I mean friend are truly a legend and legends are forever. To we meet again my friend I will never forget you. Karl
Ralph B Commisso
April 13, 2019 at 2:22 amMy deepest and sincere condolences on Jerry’s passing. I will miss seeing him ESPECIALLY @retirement dinner @IACC. Great man.
Karen williams
April 13, 2019 at 4:33 amDear Deb and family, i am so sorry about Jerry……i will always remember him as the big handsome and sweet boy that i knew so many years ago. Someone that was as nice and thoughtful and as wonderful a person as my beautiful friend Debbie. All my love to all❤
Elaine McSpedon
April 13, 2019 at 4:45 amDanielle and Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
May it comfort you to know that there are many who are thinking about you during this difficult time.
Wright Family
April 13, 2019 at 6:59 amMy heart is breaking for you all.
We are truly honored to have known him and will forever miss his laughter and humar and kindness, which lives on in his children and grand children for sure and any time he spoke of the love of his life or his children and grand children his eyes lit up with love and pride.
God has gained an amazing angel I just wish it wasn’t this soon. So so sorry for your loss.
We are here for you guys always.
Pat Davenport
April 13, 2019 at 11:43 amDebbie
Very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great guy who will be missed. I am happy to have some memories of the times we had together.
❤️
John Kelley
April 13, 2019 at 4:34 pmDear Debbie and family,
I’m sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing.
He was a great guy to work with and to know.
My sincere condolences.
Douglas wells
April 13, 2019 at 9:41 pmThanks jerry for being my dads best friend you always looked out for him, but also thank you for being a great husband to my sister you were always there to help everyone you will be missed so much love Doug
Sissy
April 14, 2019 at 2:33 amJerry,
Our family chain is broken and nothing remains the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. There are no good-byes for us , wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. In your life you touched so many but in your passing many lives were changed. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain. I know you’re in heaven cracking all kinds of jokes and even God is laughing.
Rest In Peace my little brother. I love you with all my heart and soul.
David Clary
April 14, 2019 at 1:32 pmThroughout the years we live life as best as we can and Jerry did just that, with help of his family and friends. My wish is that his family have peace in this time of sorrow.
Bob Sagar
April 14, 2019 at 2:58 pmTo the family of Gerry,
Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I worked with him at CDTA for many years and loved his great sense of humor. I know you will have great memories of him to cherish forever. My sincere condolences. Bob Sagar
Janis torre
April 15, 2019 at 4:53 amDiane and family. I am so sorry to hear of the early passing of your brother. Such a sweet and funny man. My prayers and thoughts are with you and his family
Antonio Commisso
April 15, 2019 at 6:36 amI was so sorry to hear about Gerry. He was a loyal friend and a good man.
Lisa and Vinnie Monaco
April 15, 2019 at 11:31 amHi Deb,
We were so sorry to hear about Gerry’s passing. We were away this weekend or we would have paid our respects Sunday afternoon. I will forever remember him at our old General Accident Christmas Party, boy did we have fun. He was the life of the party.
May God Bless you and the kids,
Lisa and Vinnie
Debbie Smith
April 17, 2019 at 4:08 amHi Deb and Family,
I was so sorry to read about Jerry’s death.
My prayers go out to all of you at this time.
Debbie & Aaron Smith