Gerald "Jerry" "Chops" R. Heydt

Gerald "Jerry" "Chops" R. Heydt, 73, of Fireline Road, Palmerton, Pennsylvania, died Thursday morning, September 1, 2016, in his home after a 3 year battle with cancer. He was the husband of Rose Ann M. (Kavusak) Heydt since November 27, 1969. Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Clarence H., Sr. and Myrtle F. (Hinger) Heydt.
Gerald was employed by Horsehead Industries, Palmerton, formerly the New Jersey Zinc Company, for 43 years, retiring in 2011. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Palmerton. Gerald was a 1962 graduate of the Palmerton High School. A US Army Veteran, Vietnam Era, he achieved the rank of SP4 (T). He was a member of the US Steel Workers, Local 2599-16, Bethlehem. Gerald enjoyed oldies music, playing cards with friends, watching birds, and feeding the deer.
Survivors: Wife, Rose Ann. Daughter, Paula J. Kovalik wife of Jeffrey M. Micheletti of Macungie, and his children Krista, and Andrew. Brother, Clarence H., Jr. of Palmerton. Nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Joyce Strausburger, 2 nieces, and a nephew.
Services: Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 243 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071. Call, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday in the church. Military Honors to follow. Arrangements are by Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071.
Contributions may be made in his name to the Church Memorial Fund or Carbon County Friends of Animals, 77 W. 13th Street, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229.