Jerome P. Natishan Sr., 90, formerly of Edwardsville, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of September 28, 2026, following a lengthy illness, just one day shy of his 91st birthday.
Born September 29, 1935, Jerome was the beloved son of the late Harry and Wanda Natishan of Edwardsville. A proud graduate of Edwardsville High School, Class of 1954, he excelled in athletics, particularly football. He continued his education and athletic career at Bloomsburg State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 and was a member of the college football team. His commitment to education continued at Penn State University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in 1965.
Jerome devoted nearly four decades of his life to education. After beginning his teaching career in the Pennsburg School District, he returned home to Edwardsville in the early 1960s, where he taught at his hometown school. Following the merger of the West Side schools and the formation of the Wyoming Valley West School District, Jerome continued his long and distinguished career in education as a teacher and school principal. He retired in 1997, leaving behind decades of service and a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues and friends.
Football was another important part of Jerome’s life. His love of the game began during his own playing days at Edwardsville High School, where he was awarded Most Outstanding Football Player for 1953-54, and continued at Bloomsburg State College. After returning to Edwardsville in the early 1960s, he began his coaching career with Edwardsville’s ninth-grade football team. Following the formation of the Wyoming Valley West School District, Jerome joined the Wyoming Valley West High School football coaching staff as an assistant coach in 1968, continuing to coach into the early 1990s.
Outside of his professional life, Jerome was an avid golfer who treasured his weekends on the links. Jerome ran the Marine Corps Marathon at age 50. A devoted sports fan, he also enjoyed following his favorite teams, the New York Yankees and New York Giants.
Above all, Jerome was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 65 years, the former Dorothy Paluck; daughter, Karen and wife Stacey, Dallas; son, Jerome P. Natishan Jr. and wife, Kelly; a grandson, Jerome “JP” Natishan III, Shavertown; and many nieces and nephews. His family was the center of his life and the source of his greatest pride.
The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Jerome’s loving caregivers, Christina, Yoelly, Mailliw, Norma, Susan, Betsy and Roberta for their loving care and support throughout his illness.
The titles of educator, principal and coach were important parts of Jerome’s life, but his true legacy lives on in the people he loved and the lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, 574 Bennett St., Luzerne, PA 18709. Visitation will be from 8:30AM to 10AM prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerome’s memory to Cure PSP @www.psp.org.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Heller Funeral Home LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck.
Online messages of comfort for his family may be sent condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com