Gerald Anthony DiPalma
June 11, 1931 to March 10. 2019 Franklin, MA
Gerald (Jerry) A. DiPalma (87) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on June 11, 1931, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 10, 2019. He is survived by his beloved wife Joan, and three children Gerald A. DiPalma, Jr and wife Lisa of Franklin, MA, Karen J. Brooks of Portland, OR, and Glen J. DiPalma and wife Melissa of Duxbury, MA. He also is survived by 5 grandchildren Tyler DiPalma, Christopher Brooks, Nicholas Brooks, Madeline DiPalma, and Abigail DiPalma. He was the son of the late Gaspro (Gas) and Josephine DiPalma, and step mother Mary (Santoro) DiPalma. He is also survived by his brother, Ron DiPalma, step sister Ester D’Angeli and the late step brother Joseph Santoro and several nieces, nephews, and several sister and brother in-laws, and many other family and friends.
Jerry has played many roles in his life; student, sawdust mill worker, mathematician, engineer, artist, actor, gambler, dealer, dancer, realtor, mortgagor, florist, business man, soldier, counselor, church goer, friend, son, brother, uncle, teacher, musician, singer, husband, father. However, all of these roles were bound by a strong sense of support and joy.
Jerry married Joan in 1957. His support for their 3 children allowed them to grow into successful people on their own right. Jerry and Joan were inseparable during their 62 years of marriage. There was nothing more important than the companionship he shared with his wife. A relationship built from equal respect, unmoved support and tons of laughter.
The times he loved the most were when he spent one-on-one with people. This was true whether as a college professor at Miami University teaching advanced electronics to a college student, or helping tutor a Franklin High School student through basic algebra equations or finding himself off to one side engaged in a quiet one-on-one conversation with someone he just met.
It is this legacy that will carry on through the people he touched throughout his 87 years. It is the grandchildren that he gave warmup hugs to when they saw him. The high school student that could not express the real worries of their world to anyone else or to the nurse that was caring for him. These are the people that will carry his spirit forward.
In celebration and remembrance of Jerry A. DiPalma, June 11, 1931- March 10, 2019, a wake (viewing) will be held on Sunday, March 17 from 12:00-3:00 pm at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Funeral Home, in Franklin, MA. The funeral ceremony will follow in the same location immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association in his name.
A gathering celebrating a life well lived will be held immediately following the funeral from 4 pm until closing at Cole’s Tavern (lower level), 553 Washington Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Please join us to share stories, laugh, and reminisce about the good times, something Jerry always wanted. Food will be provided. Friends and family are all welcomed!
A brief military ceremony will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Massachusetts National Cemetery (Otis) in Bourne, MA. The processional will be departing the Oteri & Son Funeral Home at 9:30 am.