By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor
Former accounting executive, Covington city commissioner, and super University of Kentucky fan, Jerry August Stricker, 90, died peacefully on October 31, surrounded by his family.
Though he earned many accolades over his distinguished career, he most cherished his role as “Grandpa,” which enriched his retirement in 1991.
Jerry was born in Newport on August 23, 1936, the youngest of five children of Clarence and Frieda Stricker; he had three brothers (Clarence (Loretta), Robert, and Raymond (Nina) and one sister, Rose Mary Wells (Bill).
He was married to Nona Rhodes for nineteen years and had three children Melanie (Chris), Kimberly and Jeffrey. Kimberly preceded him in death.
He was the proud Grandpa to Emma, Emelia, and Marissa and often said it was his greatest job. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and their children during many Stricker family events.
“My Dad loved being a Grandpa and often said it was his best job of his life,” said daughter Melanie Stricker. “He was passonate about serving and giving back to his community and absolutely loved being a Covington city commissioner.
“We spent a lot of time together watching our beloved University of Kentucky wildcats play basketball, including traveling to St. Louis, New York City, Maui, San Juan and Alaska. After he retired, we took many other trips together, and I will always cherish those memories.”
Stricker graduated from Newport High School in 1954 and from the University of Kentucky in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Accounting. He passed the CPA exam in 1961 and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Ohio and Kentucky the same year.
In September 2026, the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy recognized his 65 years of being a licensed CPA at the time, he was the third longest living CPA in the state of Kentucky.
He spent the first six years of his career with Arthur Young & Company CPA firm and the next 25 years with Gradison & Company brokerage firm. When he retired in 1991, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Gradison & Company and the President of Gradison Cash Reserves, one of the early money market funds.
During “retirement,” he was an elected official and served on many boards including the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport Board for eleven years, University of Kentucky Board of Trustees for five years, and the University of Kentucky Athletic Association Board for six years.
As a City of Covington Commissioner for seven years, he led the charge to pass legislation in Northern Kentucky to prohibit smoking in public places.
He was extremely active with the local and national Democratic Party including serving as a delegate during the 1992 Democratic Presidential Nominating Convention.
He was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the United States Senate to serve on the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. President Clinton also appointed him to the Pension Benefit Guaranteed Corporation.
Jerry touched many lives in his unforgettable special way throughout his 90 years and he will be missed by many.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to honor Jerry’s memory can be made to the Kimberly A Stricker Scholarship Fund.
Make the check payable To: University of Kentucky, Memo Line: Kimberly A. Stricker Scholarship Fund and mail to UK Philanthropy, PO Box 910628, Lexington KY 40591-0628
At his request, his body has been donated to science. The family will hold a celebration of his life at Lakeside Presbyterian Church on November 7, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m., service at 10:30-11:15 a.m. and a reception following until noon.