Gerald F. Didio

Mr. Gerald F. “Jerry” Didio, age 103, of New Hartford, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on February 28, 1910, Jerry was the son of the late Michael and Grazia (Dispersia) Didio. Raised and educated locally, he graduated from Utica Free Academy and while there he played on the championship baseball team, serving as captain. On July 18, 1938, Jerry was joined in marriage with the former Lena Camarata with whom he shared a blessed union of more than 53 years prior to her passing on May 1, 1992. For more than 32 years, Jerry owned and operated Gerald’s Men’s Clothing Store, a mid-century landmark establishment in downtown Utica. He will not only be remembered for his contributions as a concerned businessman and his service to the Downtown Utica Merchants Association (DUMA), but also for his leadership and loyalty to numerous civic, church, sports, and charitable organizations. He was a member and champion of the Comity Club, at one time serving as its President. Active with the Utica Sports Boosters, he served on the committee which first brought Little League Baseball to the city, as well as the resurgence of the Public Grammar School Baseball League. In addition, Jerry belonged to the Mohawk Valley Umpires Association. As founder and first President of the Cornhill Youth Association, he was largely responsible for influencing the city to convert a lackluster area on Arthur Street into O’Connor Playground. He also contributed to the establishment of Senior Day Centers in North Utica, East Utica, and Adrean Terrace. A talented violinist, Jerry was a member of the Utica Symphony Orchestra for 60 years; he also was affiliated with the Little Falls Symphony and the Con Amore Orchestra. He was a proud member of the UFA Alumni Association, attending reunions until his 102 year. He was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, a 4th Degree Honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, and a devoted member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society. Jerry is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Grace McNasser of New Hartford, and Mary Lou and Richard Strunk of Cheshire, CT; his grandchildren, Lori Knope, Ronald Brescia, Gerald Brescia, Karen Steigman and Ben Reder, Jerrold Steigman and Christina Mednick, Matthew Steigman, Elena Steigman, Richard Strunk, Carolee and Jason Jerome, and Suzanne and Lee Pelletier; and his great-grandchildren, Kiersten, Gregory, and Michelle Knope, Lucy and Leo Paul Steigman, Agnes P. Steigman, Nicole and Ally Jerome, and Aaron and Ryan Pelletier. He is also survived by a devoted brother and sister-in-law, George and Marie Didio of Utica, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was predeceased by a beloved daughter, Paula Steigman; sons-in-law Arnold Steigman, and William McNasser; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rocco and Marie Didio, and Joseph and Mary Didio; sisters Jane and John Tuccillo, Rose and Frank Pagliaro, and Theresa and John Bolandis; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Mary and Michael DiMino, and Lucy and Ben Gigliotti. The family acknowledges and thanks the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center/Mulberry House staff for the outstanding and personal care with compassion that Jerry received during his last years. He was always treated with respect, understanding, and kindness. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jerry’s Memorial Mass which will be celebrated on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 11:00 Our Lady of the Rosary Church on Burrstone Road. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hope House or Operation Sunshine; Envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Gerald F. Didio

February 28, 1910 - June 26, 2013