Obituary of Julius Jermanok

Julius Jermanok, 83, formerly of Belmont Avenue, Schenectady, New York, died April 7, 2013 in Naples, Florida. Mr. Jermanok was born in Brooklyn to the late Mollie and Harry Jermanok. He graduated at the top of his class at United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1953, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then spent four years in the United States Navy as an officer on the USS Point Cruz, before returning to New York and earning a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University. In 1959, Mr. Jermanok moved to Schenectady to work under Admiral Hyman Rickover at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory's (KAPL) nuclear submarine department. He then made the transition to General Electric and its gas turbine division where he led an esteemed career until his retirement in 1992. One of the highlights of his work was leading the breakthrough research project on coal-to-gas liquification. Mr. Jermanok was known for his enthusiasm, sense of humor, compassion, generosity and sage advice, especially to younger GE employees who looked upon him as a mentor. In 1998, Mr. Jermanok's first wife, Beverly Rieger Jermanok, succumbed to brain cancer. He was fortunate to meet Virginia Bury, who he married in May 2000. Mr. Jermanok is survived by Mrs. Bury Jermanok; three children, Fawn Schechter of Larchmont, Jim Jermanok of New York City, and Stephen Jermanok of Newton, Massachusetts; Mrs. Bury Jermanok's two sons, Bill Bury of Ballston Spa, New York, and Matthew Bury of Ballston Lake, New York; four beloved in-laws; and six grandchildren. Services at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Avenue , Schenectady on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer's Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 21, Naples, FL 34102, tel. 239-262-8388.