Regretably, Zone 7 reports the passing of retired member Gerald Kuster. His obituary is as follows:
Gerald A. Kuster 71, of Appleton, NY passed away suddenly on February 7th 2026.
Born on December 19th 1954 in Buffalo, NY the youngest child of the late Harry and Florence (Flossy) Kuster. Graduated from Hutchinson Central Technical Highschool in 1972 and he enjoyed his occupation as a Boilermaker and retired from Local 7 Buffalo, NY. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers.
Jerry married his soulmate and best friend, Robin on May 4th 2019. The two were inseparable and built a life filled with love, happiness and continual laughter. Together they shared a love for music and attended a countless amount of concerts and local live band shows. They would often be seen out cheering on their favorite sports teams: the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees.
Jerry was a dedicated and loving step-father to Sage, Anna, Kenneth, and Ian Jr. raising them as his own and committed to attend their sporting events, school concerts, and musicals. He was always there to listen or give support and brought immense joy into their lives. Jerry was a doting father of two boisterious sun conures Mac and Stella, as well as several Goldfish.
He vacationed in the Thousand Islands annually with his family where he enjoyed boating and sharing his passion for fishing with the kids. Jerry also, cherished quiet evenings at home around a fire with his family and friends.
Friends will remember Jerry fondly by his shouts for “More Beatles!” at band members, yelling, “Woohoo!” with a lit lighter for an outstanding performance and perhaps most of all, his duet of Michelob Lights.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Robin (Johnson, Ricker), Step-Children Sage, Anna, Kenneth, and Ian Jr. (Ricker), sister Jacqueline Organisciak, brother Michael (Kathleen) Kuster, mother in-law Aileen (Mike) Mcgrath, father in-law Stanley (Mary) Johnson, sister in-law Stefanie (Dave) Knittle, brother in-law Robert Johnson and several nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home in Newfane, NY February 12th 2026 at 11am with a celebration of life memorial to be held at a later date.