We are sad to announce that former Commissioner Jerome “Jerry” Chorosevic, Sr. recently passed away. Mr. Chorosevic served on the BRHA Board of Commissioners for 19 years before stepping down in 2021. During his tenure, he served several years as Chairman and was instrumental in guiding the agency through a time of growth and change which saw the construction of two mixed finance developments known as Sapling Grove and the Village at Oakview. We are grateful for his contributions to affordable housing in Bristol, and our agency is stronger as a result.
Jerry Chorosevic Obituary
Jerome “Jerry” Joseph Chorosevic, Sr., 92 years old, of Bristol, Va., died on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He was the youngest of eight children and was born June 25, 1932, in Granite City, IL to Antoni and Stephania (née Keltkotka) Horosiewicz. He graduated from Granite City High School, Granite City, IL, 1950, and attended Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Jerry served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1950-1954.
Jerry married Thelma (née Stercho) June 27, 1953, having seven children. Jerry and Thelma moved to Bristol, TN in 1959 for his employment at Raytheon Corporation. He served in several management roles with Plumbium Manufacturing Corporation, which later became Speed Clip Manufacturing Corporation, Bristol, TN. During his tenure at Plumbium and Speed Clip, he was granted three patents for his wheel balance weights and methods. In 1997, Jerry became the owner and operator of J.T. Distributors, from which he finally retired.
He was a faithful member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Bristol, VA, since moving to Bristol. He was elected to the Parish Council, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served as a Eucharistic Minister, a lector, and leader of the Holy Rosary.
Jerry volunteered his service on the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority for nineteen years, selected to Commissioner several times. He resigned his position from the Board in 2021. He enjoyed volunteering in the community, had a passion for woodworking and tending to his vegetable garden, DIY projects around the home, and most especially, spending time with his family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Antoni and Stephania Horosiewicz; six siblings; and one infant granddaughter.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Thelma, of 71 years; his children, Jerry Jr. (Cindy), Bristol, TN, Anna Jugan (Mike), Knoxville, TN, Tony (Kathleen), San Jose, CA, Andrea Claiborne (Burt), Nashville, TN, Joan Pohlgeers (Dan), Gray, TN, Philip (Erica), Rougemont, NC, and Alicia Parham (Phillip), Shelbyville, KY. Jerry was the proud grandfather to thirteen, great-grandfather to five; and great-great grandfather to two. He is also survived by his sister, Gertrude (née Chorosevic) Roth, Edwardsville, IL.
A Funeral Mass for Mr. Chorosevic will be held at 1:00p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church with Father Tom Lawrence officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Inurnment will follow the service in St. Anne Catholic Church Cemetery.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Oakmont Assisted Living and Dr. James Schrenker for their kindness and compassionate care given to Mr. Chorosevic during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Appalachian Project, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
