Page 18 - PGA Community News - June '22

Page 18, PGA C.A.N.! June 2022 June 2022

Jupiter Senior Softball

Gerry Elias, a co-founder and former Commissioner
of the Jupiter Senior Softball program, has been selected
as the 2022 inductee into the Jupiter Senior Softball
Association (JSSA) Hall of Fame.
Elias, 82, died February 11. He will be posthumously
enshrined in the Hall of Fame (HOF) next January when
a brass plate with his name will be added to the Hall
of Fame plaque in the association’s display at Jupiter
Community Park. Gerry’s selection was by unanimous
vote of the JSSA board at its April meeting. Paul Storch,
JSSA Commissioner, said, “For all that he did for senior
softball, Gerry is most deserving of this honor.”
Gerry’s wife Mariette, said, “Gerry’s whole focus
in living in Florida was playing softball and having
fun and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of his

Reminder From Gerry Elias making out the game lineup Gerry Elias

The POA/ARC
teammates.” And if the league or a teammate needed which had started the softball program in 1988. His
something, “Gerry would do anything he could to help,” research produced a 25-year memory book that Gerry
POA documents require she said. The Hall of Fame honors Jupiter Senior Softball presented to the JSSA of photos and statistics of teams
that all residents apply for members who have made an extraordinary impact on through the years. He also donated a large American flag
POA and HOA approval prior the organization. And those chosen have proven that to the JSSA that has served as a patriotic display for the
to making any changes to sportsmanship, friendship and competition are not various holiday observances at the ball fields.
the exterior of your home, mutually exclusive. Gerry was a friend to all and could be counted on to
including but not limited Gerry served as JSSA Commissioner from 1999 to help with anything to do with the senior softball program.
to tree removal or planting, 2002. During that time, the softball program transitioned The Jupiter Senior Softball Association, as well as all
new landscaping, painting, roofing, additions or from a county league of traveling teams that played in who had the pleasure of knowing and serving with Gerry,
construction, fencing, hurricane shutters, impact glass, various communities, to a permanent Jupiter Senior heartily endorse his selection for the Hall of Fame.
play equipment, garage door replacement or any other League based at Jupiter Community Park. Also, under Previous honorees were the late Ted Battistone, 87, the
change, you must contact the PGA POA Architectural Gerry’s leadership the administration of the senior softball inaugural inductee when the HOF was created in 2020,
Review Committee for approval. Information and program was transferred from the Town of Jupiter to the and Mike Richmond, 86, the 2021 inductee.
forms are available at www.pga-poa.com under the newly formed Jupiter Senior Softball Association and its The year-round slow-pitch senior softball activity
“Documents & Forms” heading or call 627-2800. governing board. is open to persons 55 and over and new players are
Thank you, Gerry’s dedication to Jupiter Senior Softball inspired always welcome. Games are every Monday, Wednesday
Jack Hughes, him to write a 20-year history of the league in 2009. He and Friday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Jupiter
Chairman, POA ARC finished it in 2011 after researching old files and the Community Park. For information or to register go to
archives of Jupiter’s Park and Recreation Department www.leaguelineup.com/jssa.