Gerald "Jerry" Kapusta, 82, of Wauchula, Florida, passed away on January 1, 2026.

Jerry was born on March 5, 1943, in Ravenna, Ohio, to Stanley and Florence Kapusta. He was an educator in the public school system and a devoted sports coach. A longtime resident of Hardee County since 1973, he had come to the area from Melbourne, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joyce Schimmer.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Kapusta; his sons Travis Kapusta and wife Laura of North Carolina, and Kory Kapusta and wife Carla of Kentucky; his daughter Markel Kapusta of North Carolina; brothers Greg Kapusta and wife Sherry of Kentucky, and Jeff Kapusta and wife Kellie of Ohio; sisters Jan Pacenta and husband Tom of Ohio, and Jill Kapusta and husband Rick Lewis of Ohio; grandchildren Will Kapusta and Cole Kapusta. He will be remembered for his dedication to students and athletes, and for the warmth he shared with family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Robarts Garden Chapel on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jim Davis will officiate. Interment will take place at Wauchula City Cemetery.
Donations can be made to the American Heart Association and/or the Hardee Athletic Foundation in his honor.