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Gerard “Jerry” Joseph Marchese
July 17, 2019

Obituary

Gerard “Jerry” Joseph Marchese died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, Melrose, MA on July 17th, at the age of 77. Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet (Auterio); daughter Michelle Corrado and her husband David; son Stephen Marchese; as well as his two most precious gifts, his grandsons Michael D. Corrado, and Nicholas G. Corrado. He also leaves his siblings: sisters Anna Burchfield and husband Eugene, Rosemarie, Joanne and Josephine Savage and her husband William; brothers Rocco, Jr and his wife Elaine, Joseph and his wife Nancy, David and his wife Dawn. He is preceded in death by his parents Rocco and Margaret (Cornelisson) Marchese, and his brother Robert. He is also the beloved son-in-law of Louise Auterio, brother-in-law of Nancy (Auterio) McCarthy Santapaola and her husband Joseph and was like a second father to his nieces Stacey Raffi and Julie Vasquez and nephew Brian McCarthy. Jerry also leaves a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear close friends.

Jerry was born on June 19, 1942 in Brookline, MA. The Marchese clan moved to Granville Ave in South Medford, in 1945, and remained there for 35 years. Jerry graduated from Medford Vocational High School in 1961 and on June 4, 1966, married Janet Auterio, whom he met during his days at the Liberty Market in Medford Square. That is also where he met his lifelong best friend Joseph Casarano, and along with his wife Barbara, the foursome of the Marcheses and Casaranos were inseparable. Jerry never moved out of Medford, and he and his young bride lived in several different neighborhoods, ending up in the heart of Medford Square, for the past 25 years. Their home is located next to St. Joseph’s church: the church where they were married, their daughter was married and their grandchildren were baptized. He was also active in the music ministry and served many years as a leader in the St. Vincent DePaul (SVDP) Society. His deep sense of service was borne from years of support that his family received from SVDP, growing up. Many Christmas holidays in the Marchese household of nine children, with a father who worked as a grocer for Stop & Shop and a stay-at-home mother were blessed by the generosity of the donors to SVDP as gifts from Santa truly magically appeared as well as a dinner feast.

In November of 1967, Jerry began working in the banking field as a manager for Bank of Boston, and stayed with them through many mergers. In between all of that, he cared for many family members over the years. But his proudest, most fulfilling accomplishment was being Papa to Michael and Nicholas. He retired from Bank of Boston, in September of 2000, during one of the bank mergers, taking a ‘golden package’, so he could trade in his wool suits for track suits as he took on the role of ‘the manny’. From when Michael was 9 months old until he graduated high school, Papa was a fixture in his grandsons’ lives. Coming to their house to make school lunches, driving them to school and picking them up. All the school moms knew and loved Papa. He never missed a play, recital, graduation, or soccer game. He truly raised those fine young men, and the bond between Michael, Nicholas and Papa will last through eternity.

It was also in November of 1967 that Janet asked Jerry what he wanted for Christmas, and he said, “a baby”. So, in August of 1968, Michelle, his ‘poopsie’ arrived. She was instantly the light and center of his life. He treated her like a Princess and they had the quintessential daddy-daughter relationship. He never missed a violin concert, marching band show, flute concert, awards ceremony, graduation or any other life moment – including the birth of each of her children -- to the point where he almost got thrown out of the hospital by security staff. But, that was Jerry, steadfast in his love and commitment to his family and friends.

Jerry’s son, Stephen, was born in October of 1969 and the family was complete. He supported all of his son’s accomplishments and allowed him the freedom to create his own path. Although never a sports guy himself, he nevertheless attended all of his baseball games like a diehard fan.

Jerry and Janet were soulmates and complemented each other perfectly. Their love, faith and devotion were what others tried to emulate. They modeled what a true loving marriage could be – through all the good and the challenging. It was truly for better or worse, in sickness and in health. Jerry was proud to show off his bride at their 50th Wedding Anniversary dinner at the Café Escadrille, that he planned himself, for close family and friends.

Jerry lived life to the fullest and loved to travel, some highlights of which were his trip to Italy and audience with the Pope, and cruising through the Panama Canal. In his earlier days, he went to night school at Medford High to learn cake decorating. He went on to teach others out of his own home, and made hundreds of beautiful cakes for a multitude of occasions, including the wedding of his daughter. He was a regular fixture at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun and every outlet mall in New England. He completed his first 5k race at the age of 70, and also hired a personal trainer and his fitness journey became an inspiration to many. Jerry was a true gentleman, servant of God, faithful friend, and bedrock of his family who will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, July 21st from 4 PM to 8 PM at DelloRusso Funeral Home, 306 Main St, Medford, MA. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, July 22nd at 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Parish, 118 High St., Medford, MA, with a graveside ceremony to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford, MA. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry’s life. Please arrive at the funeral home by 9 AM to join the procession. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to send a donation you may direct it to the St. Joseph Parish Inspiring Hope Capital Campaign at 114 High St., Medford, MA 02155.

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Dello Russo Funeral Service
306 Main Street
Medford, MA 02155
781-396-9200