Gerard "Jerry" Schratz

Gerard “Jerry” Schratz of Burke, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at age 72. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1952, he was one of four children of the late Vincent and Rita (Gross) Schratz. He earned an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and served on the police force for the city of Alexandria, Virginia for 25 years. In 1993, he met his wife, Leslie Hickman, and they were married for 29 years. Jerry was a man who lived and loved a simple life. His pastimes included gardening, rooting for the Washington Nationals (never missed a game), jigsaw puzzles (the more complex the better), and studying the Civil War. Although a long-time resident of northern Virginia, he never lost his affection for his hometown of Pittsburgh to include the Steelers, baseball games as a young man at Forbes Field, and ham BBQ. Although quiet, Jerry had a dry and sharp sense of humor, often accompanied by his engaging smile. He started the “Lunch Bunch” at Saratoga Pizzeria on Mondays as a way to meet with friends and enjoy good food and discussion especially baseball. Jerry had the type of personality that made friends for life. A devout Catholic, Jerry was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and faithful parishioner at St. Raymond of Peñafort. He will truly be missed by many. Jerry adored his family. He was a loving husband to Leslie; brother to Rita Murphy (Patrick) and Ann Hoyson (late husband Dr. Gregory); brother-in-law to Robert Hickman, Catherine Vitaletti (Bill), and Charles Hickman; uncle to Sean Martin, Dr. Mitchell Hoyson (Dr. Sarah Minney), Dr. Katherine Baeder (Dan) and Elizabeth Tobay (Jason), Dominic Hickman, Ava Hickman, Mia Hickman and Jillian Hickman; great uncle to two nephews and 2 nieces; and numerous cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Vincent and Rita (Gross) Schratz and his older brother the Reverend Paul Schratz. Relatives and friends will be received at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315, on Wednesday, April 24 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Raymond of Peñafort, 8750 Pohick Road, Springfield, VA 22153, on Thursday, April 25, at 11AM. Interment follows immediately at Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, VA 22032. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Ataxia Foundation (www.ataxia.org/donate), Central Union Mission (www.donate.missiondc.org), Retired Priest Fund at the Diocese of Arlington Catholic Charities (www.ccda.net). Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com.

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Gerard "Jerry" Schratz

February 20, 1952 - April 16, 2024