Sgt. Jesse M. Verga, 28, of Erie, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017. He was born in Erie on May 28, 1988, the son of Gerald M. and Susan Nuber Verga.
Jesse was a 2006 graduate of Strong Vincent High School. He served one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan in the United States Marine Corps. During Jesse's third tour he served as squad leader and was awarded a Medal for Valor. He continued to serve the United States Marine Corps through two years of reserve duty. After his active duty service he attended Gannon University. Jesse was a member of 3 Elements - Mixed Martial Arts School and the YMCA. He worked as security for Presque Isle Downs & Casino. He loved being with his family and was a compassionate and loyal friend.
Jesse was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Gerald and Genevieve Nuber; paternal grandfather, Russell Verga; and cousin, Mia Nuber.
In addition to his parents, Jesse is survived by his brother, Gabriel Verga and his wife, Jennifer of Erie; his beloved nephew; his beloved niece; his paternal grandmother, Martha Verga; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16504, on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery.
The family wishes for Masses to be said for the repose of Jesse's soul.