Jerrold Vernon Wilborn

Today, as we gather, our hearts heavy yet uplifted by memories, we find ourselves tasked with one of life’s most bittersweet responsibilities: to remember, to honor, and to celebrate the remarkable life of our dearly departed. The pain of loss is profound, yet in this moment, we turn our faces to the light of their legacy, grateful for the time we shared and the indelible imprint they have left upon us all. Jerrold Vernon Wilborn began this life’s journey on August 22, 1937; he departed this earthly life for eternal life within our Lord and Savior on July 11, 2025. Born to parents Herman and Marie Wilborn, he accepted Christ and was baptised at an early age at the original Mount Ararat Baptist Church site; his grandparents, John Wade and Lottie Wilborn were a part of the original parishioners of the church. Jerrold continued to be a faithful member of Mount Ararat, serving on the 2nd Sunday Usher Board until his health would no longer allow this service. He continued to attend Sunday services until his departure. Jerrold attended Westinghouse High School, where he was exposed to the opportunity to serve his country; he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 and completed his high school studies while serving his country. He served for 20 years and retired with full veteran status in June of 1977. Jerrold sought tours that took him to countries that are not typical assignments; this included special tours to Africa and Brazil as well as many other tours of duty both overseas and stateside. Jerrold met the love of his life while in high school; six years into his military career, he returned to Pittsburgh to ask for his beloved Patricia Thompson’s hand in marriage; they were joined in holy matrimony on June 7, 1961. He eloquently and regally addressed her as Patricia; she travelled the world with her husband as a military spouse. Jerrold and Patricia were blessed with their daughter Maria in1968, who was raised within the military life as well. Jerrold’s career path also included working at his father’s TV repair company and electrical contractor businesses. As well, he provided computer repair services for Burroughs (now Unisys) and worked for US Steel. With a desire to follow in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps, Jerrold created his own self-serve laundromat business. His business was hugely successful with four laundromats operating within the East End communities; he recently shuttered the business to enjoy all the fruits of his life’s work. Jerrold joined the brotherhood of the fraternal organization of the Masons. However, his true personal and organizational passion was all about cars. He often spoke about his favorite Buick Riviera and owned multiple Volkswagen Bugs; he continued to maintain and drive his Volkswagen until his departure. But his main passion for decades was for the Chevrolet Corvette; he owned and operated his immaculate Vette until his departure. Jerrold was a long-time and legacy member of the United Rays Corvette Club of Pittsburgh until 2020 and a member of the United Council of Corvette Clubs until last year.

He was a current and active legacy-designated member of Elite Corvettes of Pittsburgh at his departure. Over the years, Jerrold was an avid drag racer and car show winner. He was the only member who removed wheels and rear lights completely from the car to perform his immaculate car detailing! He travelled with the clubs throughout the years until health prevented the long road trips. In all of Jerrold’s touch of this world, he was kind, caring, generous, humorous, soft spoken yet direct; a mentor to all as to what a husband, father, friend, and overall human being should be. Jerrold was preceding in death by parents, Herman and Marie (Forrest) Wilborn, stepmother Cleovetta Wilborn, grandparents, John Wade and Lottie Wilborn, stepbrothers Jack and Gary Prunty, brothers and sister in Laws Emmett Thompson, Clifford Thompson Jr., and Rita Thompson, and nephew Raymond Young Jr. Left to mourn are his wife Patricia, daughter Maria (William) Gitelman, granddaughter Rachel Gitelman, sister Janice Young, sisters in law Bernetta Thompson and Lynn Caves, nieces and nephews Eunice, Geraldine and Gordon Young, Robert and James Alston, Rodney Caves, and Leah Laepple, cousin John Wilborn III, and a host of great, great-great nieces and nephews and other family members.

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