Jerome Lawrence Filo peacefully passed away at the age of 87, in his home, surrounded by family. 

Jerry was born on April 10, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wis., the son of Andrew and Emily (Matusin) Filo. He attended Messmer High School and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir and met Carol Belstner, the love of his life and devoted wife of 62 years.

After graduating high school, Jerry embarked on what would become a 66 year career as an architectural draftsman, designing homes and public buildings. His legacy can be seen in the area from beautiful lake front homes to numerous Habitat for Humanity houses that he both designed and helped build. 

In search of a life focused on service to the community, Jerry and his family relocated to the Lake Charles area in 1972. 

In between work and family, Jerry made time to teach catechism and helped establish the guitar mass at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Moss Bluff. Over the years, Jerry’s commitment to community service expanded to include counseling at the Louisiana Correctional and Industrial School, volunteering with the Crisis Hot Line as well as Abraham’s Tent, and serving on the Lake Charles Catholic Diocesan building committee.  Most notably, Jerry was instrumental in establishing the local Calcasieu Habitat for Humanity Chapter where he served as its building coordinator. 

Jerry relished work but always enjoyed traveling to attend graduations, ballet recitals, sporting events and birthdays. He also spent many Sundays cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. Jerry is proceeded in death by his loving wife, Carol, and his brother, Bob Filo. He is survived by his brother, Allen (Judy) Filo; sister, Kathy (Wayne) Wencka, and his children, Jim and David (Angela) of Palo Alto, Calif., John (Tracy) of Austin, Texas, Tom (Kathryn), Kathy and Jean Marie of Lake Charles.  He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Taylor and Shannon Filo, Tyler, Evan and Andrew Rasbeary, Devon Filo and Elise (Andrew) Kruger, Sarah and John Filo, and Amelia and Emmylou Filo, as well as three great-grandchildren, Emily, Cate, and Molly Filo.  

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street in Lake Charles, Thursday, May 9th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Friday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by services beginning at 11 a.m.  Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. 

Jerry’s life was dedicated to community service and therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Abraham’s Tent or Project Build a Future both located in Lake Charles, La.