Jere Clayton Wrightsman passed away, leaving a legacy of service, compassion, community, and joy that touched countless lives.

Born with a curiosity about the world and a commitment to service, Jere earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Syracuse University. Upon returning from service in Vietnam, he studied at San Francisco State University and earned a Master of Social Work. He began his career as a therapist in upstate New York and served the rural population of Lewis County.

His commitment to vulnerable populations led him to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where he directed the Roanoke Regional Office in Virginia. There he helped refugees establish new lives in America. He later served as Director of Foster Parent Training for the Center for the Development of Human Services, where he trained foster parents, caseworkers, and child welfare professionals throughout New York State for more than two decades.

Jere also taught as an Adjunct Instructor for Empire State University's Center for Distance Learning, helping educate future professionals in human services, public administration, public finance, and budgeting. He believed in lifelong learning and in preparing others for lives of service.

After retiring from his professional career, Jere continued to answer the call to serve. He approached public service with optimism, diligence, and a genuine love for the community he called home. As a member of the Austerlitz Town Board from 2015 to 2023, he chaired the Bicentennial Committee, the Broadband Access Committee, and the Climate Committee. After leaving his position as a Town Board member, he continued to serve on the Climate Committee.

Public service was only part of Jere's story. Jere married Patricia Goodwin in 1970. After raising two wonderful daughters, Jessica and Julia, Jere and Pat eventually chose to go their separate ways, while remaining lifelong friends and devoted parents and grandparents.

Jere's family will always cherish his abundant joy of life. Everyone will recall with fondness the beer commercial and the soap-eating incident. Jere never lost touch with the boy inside him and his playful spirit was contagious. Whether exploring with his daughters or leading his grandchildren beneath a cascading stream by their house, he turned ordinary moments into memorable adventures, slightly risky at times but always filled with laughter and joy.

In 2002, Jere married Lisa Futtner and the adventures continued. After their wedding, they spent a month in Italy. They especially enjoyed their travels over the years throughout New York and New England. Their union was filled with laughter, joy and wonder. Their passion for and love of nature sustained them throughout their marriage.

Jere was an avid fly fisherman. His love of the sport took him from the streams of California to the Adirondacks. He returned year after year to his beloved Moose Pond where he fished, played poker and smoked cigars with his best friends.

Jere also enjoyed his time with the Retired Old Men Eating Out, aptly named the ROMEOs, a group of friends who met at local lunch spots for laughter, gossip and deli food.

Jere was an active member of St. Peter's Church and found strength and fellowship in its community. He served as a deacon for several years. He was a lay preacher known for his powerful sermons.

Jere was born on March 16, 1945 and passed away on June 15, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Futtner; his daughters, Julia Levy and her husband, Marc Levy; Jessica Walker and her husband, Brett Walker; and his cherished grandchildren, Eli and Rory Walker, and Cooper and Mason Levy. Among his survivors are the mother of his daughters, Patricia Goodwin Wrightsman and his two brothers, Steven and Dan. Jere leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jere's love, wisdom, humor, and generous spirit will continue to live on in all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at St. Peter's Church in Spencertown, New York. Additional details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following:

International Rescue Committee - https://help.rescue.org/donate/join-a

St. Peter's Kitchen Renovation Fund - https://stpetersspencertown.org/the-kitchen-at-st-peters/

For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com