Gerald Stephen Chupik, 88, of Pinehurst, NC passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at St. Joseph of the Pines. Gerry was born on August 14, 1933, in Trenton, NJ to the late Stephen and Anna Wasko Chupik.
He is survived by his dedicated daughter, Teri Blades (David); two grandchildren he adored Evan and Christa Blades; his brother Roger Chupik (Evelyn) and their children Tom and Andy Chupik; his sister Arlene Flodmand (the late Rich) and their children Rick, Tim and Chris Flodmand.
In addition to his parents, Gerry was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Rich Flodmand and nephew Roger Chupik, Jr.
Gerry was born and raised in New Jersey, where he learned to play the trumpet at a young age and enjoyed playing in many concert and marching bands. In the 1960s, he was a member of the Morristown Colonials Drum and Bugle Corps. His most exciting and unique band experience was marching with the Washington Redskin’s Marching Band, the oldest NFL marching band, founded in 1937.
Gerry proudly served his country in the US Navy for two years on the USS Iowa, where he had the opportunity to travel Europe extensively. Later he attended night school at Lehigh University while working full-time in order to earn his master’s degree in electrical engineering. Gerry went on to dedicate his 30+ career to AT&T (formerly Western Electric) and had such interesting stories about working on early computers in the 1960s and 70s.
An avid golfer of 40 years, he joined the Whispering Pines Country Club upon his 2015 arrival to North Carolina when he moved to be closer to his only daughter and grandkids. When Gerry wasn’t golfing, he was on the dance floor as a very charming and confident lead, earning him the role of well sought-after partner for other ballroom dancers. In the 2000s, he combined his dance talent with his love of cruising the world by becoming a dance host and ballroom dance instructor for several cruise lines. While living in NC, he was an active member and officer of the Sandhills Chapter of USA Dance, a social ballroom dance organization.
Gerry led a full, rewarding life with his dedication to country, his employer and by living out his passions in retirement, but his daughter, Teri, and her family brought a special joy. She was a dedicated constant in his life and was an unwavering advocate for his care. Gerry very much enjoyed attending his grandson, Evan’s, band concerts and watching his granddaughter, Christa’s, dance recitals. He was tremendously proud of both of his grandchildren. Their passions for music and dance were unique bonds with their grandfather. He will be missed tremendously.
Services are planned for 10 am Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Brenna-Cellini Funeral home in Hamilton, New Jersey with graveside service to follow at St Mary’s of the Assumption Cemetery #02, Hamilton Township, NJ.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
