Retired Lt. Medford Fire Department, Jerry C. DeCristofaro, age 93 of Medford, died Sunday in Lawrence Memorial Hospital Medford. He was the beloved husband of the late Stella M. (Prespolis) DeCristofaro.
Born in Boston, son of the late Ciriaco and Angelina (Sarno) DeCristofaro. He is a graduate of Medford High School, class of 1932. In high school he played on the High school football and baseball teams and served as a class officer. He enlisted in the Army and served during WWII.
Mr. DeCristofaro was appointed a Firefighter around 1940 and served in many capacities including firefighter, 1st officer to the Medford Fire Department, former head of the Medford Fire Fighters Retirees. He served in Headquarters, Engine 5, and in the Salem St. Station. He retired around 1970 holding the rank of Lieutenant.
Mr. DeCristofaro also worked in the granite industry. He was a proprietor of Medford Memorials beginning in 1933. He was a true “Hand Carver” and was well respected for his carving and engraving talents. Monument works and inscription art in his family date back many generations and are said to have worked with Michaelangelo.
He is survived by a son, Jerry DeCristofaro and his wife Nancy of Maynard, and a daughter Diana DeCristofaro of Medford. Loving grandfather of Tony and Paul Navarro, Helene Hall, James and Richard DeCristofaro, great grandfather of Marija, Ryan and Adrija Navarro, Danielle and Jillian Sedlier, and Skyler Hall. Brother of the late Mario, Joseph, Louis and Ralph DeCristofaro, Anna DiMore, Louisa Napoli, Amelia DeCristofaro and Mary Petetta. Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Thursday at 8 am. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 9 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 4 thru 8 pm. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Contributions in Jerry’s name may be sent to the Dennis Leary Firefighters Foundation, 581 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 .