The Framingham News

December 3, 1968 Front Page

PVT. Gerald Michael Slotnick Military Photo

Natick--Private Gerald M. Slotnick , 20,of Westlake Road died Monday (Dec. 2), at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, of a shot from his own rifle while on the practice range at the Fort during his basic training, according to word received from his home.

Private Slotnick had been in the service for 7 weeks when the accident occurred.

The family formerly resided in Oakvale, Framingham before moving to Natick. Pvt. Slotnick was a graduate of Framingham North High School Class of 1966 and had been employed in contracting work before entering the Army.

He leaves his mother, Mrs. Hellen (Dillon), Slotnick, a brother, Robert, his

sister-in-law Sheila, a nephew Stephen, and a niece Amy, also of Framingham. He father was the late Samuel Slotnick.

The funeral arrangements are under the directions of Stanetsky of Brookline. Details are incomplete awaiting the arrival of the body.

Personal Note: Sadly, two weeks after graduating for FNHS, Jerry lost his Dad, Samuel, age 45. Jerry was buried next to his Dad in Beth Israel Cemetery in Everett, Mass.

Jerry was a valuable member of the football team and enjoyed the competition during Chess Club tournaments. He was a fun-loving guy who treasured partying with his friends and playing chess. He was enamored with cars.

Following his enlistment on October 28, 1968, in the U.S. Army, Jerry was assigned to Fort Jackson, SC. (PVT. E-1, Co. D, 8th BN, 2nd BCT Brigade), service #RA 11 629 603.

Tragedy struck on the morning of December 2, 1968, during basic training at “Texas Firing Range #17”. Jerry was wounded by the accidental discharge of his M-16 rifle. He passed away before arriving at Fort Jackson U.S. Army Hospital.

Jerry’s funeral was held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Brookline, Massachusetts. Interment took place at Beth Israel Cemetery, Everett, Mass.

In 1969, The U.S. Army marked his grave with a military upright marble headstone adorned with the Star of David.

(Find a Grave # 207578596 Beth Israel Cemetery, 232 Fuller St., Everett, MA)

The Framingham News

December 4, 1968 Obituaries section B Funeral Notice

Natick- Funeral Services were held this morning at 11 at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, 1658 Beacon Street, Brookline, for Gerald M. Slotnick, 20, of Westlake Road, who was fatally shot by accident on the practice range of basic training at Fort Jackson, NC. Monday.

Memorial Week will be observed at the family home. It is the request of the family expressions of sympathy be sent to favorite charities.

Pvt. Slotnick formerly resided in Oakvale, Framingham and was graduated from Framingham North High School, He was a member of the varsity football team at school.

His father is the late Samuel Slotnick. He leaves his mother, Mrs. Helen (Dillon) Slotnick, and a brother, Robert of Framingham. He had been in the military service for the past seven weeks.