Gerald Kristoff

RUTLAND/STERLING - Gerald M. “Jerry” Kristoff, 78, died on October 1, 2026, in Rutland, Massachusetts, following a 10-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). He was the loving husband of Deborah J. (Hill) Kristoff, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Jerry built his life around family and farming. He was raised on his family’s pig farm in Sterling where he spent most of his life, and he attended Wachusett Regional High School, Class of 1966. After living and working in Sterling for many years, he moved to Lazy Day Farm in Rutland, his dream farm named after the toy barn he had as a child. Over the years, he owned and operated several businesses, including city rubbish contracts and a tractor dealership, and later served the Town of Sterling as the driver of its senior citizen van. He also served on the Sterling DPW Board and was a founding member of the Rutland Agricultural Commission.

Jerry enjoyed downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and water skiing on Lake Waushacum, where he lived for 20 years. Farming remained central to his life. His family referred to his farm and quonset hut as his sandbox for all his toys. He enjoyed every part of farming, from driving his horses in the fields and haying on the hottest days, to raising animals and sharing his love of farming with others in the community.

Along with his wife, Debbie, he leaves his sons, Jason and Jeff, and Jeff’s partner, Jen; his granddaughters, Blakely and Kendall; his brother, John David Kristoff; as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Kristoff; his brother, George Kristoff II; and his son, Sergio Kristoff.

No formal service or calling hours are planned. The family will instead welcome friends and family for an informal gathering at a later date.

To honor Jerry, the family asks that support be shown for local agriculture: patronize a farm co-op, buy vegetables from a farm stand, pick up meat, milk, fruit, or a pie from a farm store, or even buy a dozen eggs from the side of the road.

Assisting with arrangements is Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care in Worcester. To leave a message or share a memory please visit www.kellycremation.com