Jerry D. Ayotte, 61, of 245 Masterson Road, Oil City, was found dead at his residence Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. Born Jan. 21, 1943, in Richmond, Va., he was the son of Frank William and Mary Ann Fornal Ayotte.
Ayotte, a 1960 Oil City High School graduate, served two tours in the Vietnam War in the U.S. Marine Corps. At the age of 23, he was seriously injured when his helicopter was shot down in South Vietnam in June 1966.
He was employed for 26 years as a printer for Venango Newspapers, retiring in 1995.
Mr. Ayotte was a member of the Oil City VFW, Oil City Moose and the Pulaski Club. He enjoyed NASCAR, working on cars and U.S. Marine reunions.
Mr. Ayotte previously was married to Karen M. Koziara, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Christopher Ayotte and wife, Christina, of Nashville, Tenn; three daughters, Jennifer Buchholz and husband, Eugene P. Buchholz Jr. of Oil City, Jamie E. Ayotte with the U.S. Air Force in Troy, Ill., and Stephanie M. Ayotte of Oil City; and a granddaughter, Andrea Ayotte of Nashville, Tenn. He also is survived by a brother, James A. Ayotte and wife, Joy, of California. Mr. Ayotte was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, pastor of St Stephen Church, officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery.