Sergeant Major (Ret.) Jerald Thomas Pozzani, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Pensacola, Florida, with his beloved wife Shari by his side on December 17, 2024. Born on November 13, 1936, in Rockford, Illinois, Jerald was the son of Andre “Andy” Pozzani and Arlene (Carpenter) Pozzani.
Jerry proudly served in the United States Army, enlisting in 1955 and dedicating 25 years to his country before retiring in 1980 with the rank of Sergeant Major. During his distinguished military career as a combat engineer, he served overseas in Germany and Italy helping build vital roads and infrastructure. He was also briefly stationed in Vietnam, where he swept for minefields. After his retirement, he settled in Coupeville, WA, Whidbey Island.
In 1996, Jerry met his wife and companion of 28 years, Shari Marie, in Coupeville, Washington. They married in 2012 and relocated to Pensacola, Florida, in 2018. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, friendship, and adventure.
Jerry was a passionate sports fan and enjoyed football, basketball, golf, horse racing, pull tabs, and poker. After moving to Pensacola, he and Shari became active members of the Lillian Community Club, where they found a fun, loving, and supportive group of friends. His favorite activity at the club was the poker group, where he shared many joyful hours and hearty laughs.
Travel brought great joy to Jerry’s life. He and Shari visited the Emerald Downs horse racing track and took numerous casino trips to destinations like Las Vegas, Reno, Iowa, and Biloxi, Mississippi. They also cruised to Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Canada/New England. He loved road trips to visit family and friends—sometimes traveling solo, sometimes with Shari riding shotgun. What fun adventures they had together!
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Shari Pozzani; his daughters Laura (Michael) Magalski, Lisa Pozzani, Toni (John) Timm; and stepdaughters Vicky (Charles) Carter and Michelle Buttrick. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Joanne Piper; his brothers James and Jack; his sister Maureen; and his parents, Arlene and Andy Pozzani.
Jerry was cremated and laid to rest with full military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL on January 24, 2025. A celebration of life followed on January 26, 2025, at the Lillian Community Club.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Shari, his children and grandchildren, family, and his many friends.
