Mr. Gerald A. "Jerry" Talerico

Mr. Gerald A. “Jerry” Talerico, age 90, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017 in the privacy of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on November 29, 1926, Gerald was the son of the late Jerry “Red” and Ruth M. (Marsden) Talerico. He attended Brandegee Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Jerry honorably served his country from 1945-1946 during World War II stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. On October 16, 1948 he married the former Ellen Brown with whom he shared 55 years in a union bonded by common family values, social interests, respect, and admiration for one another. Ellen passed away on January 17, 2004. Jerry worked at Griffiss Air Force Base as a Parachute packer and he jokingly stated that he never had one complaint from a Vietnam War veteran — their parachutes deployed perfectly! He later progressed to the position of Heavy Equipment repairman. As a patriarch, Jerry provided for his family and made a happy home for them. His children admired and appreciated his loving parental guidance. He was a believer of “old school” values, and when he set his mind to do something, he got the job done. Jerry loved people and although he was soft-spoken, he was a great conversationalist. He was also a skilled handyman and was proud of his projects and accomplishments. During his retirement, he became co-owner of Utica’s legendary Ball’s Card Shop located downtown on Lafayette Street. Interacting with the customers and having daily conversations was truly a labor of love. Special family occasions and celebrations were very important to Jerry whether at home or at his Hinckley Lake summer home where he was a seasonal boat owner. But he was happiest when he was mowing the lawn. He was an avid bowler for many years and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Judy Talerico and Linda Filippelli; his sons and daughter-in-law, Kevin Talerico, and Gerard Talerico, of Utica, and James “Jamie” and Lori Burr Talerico of Enfield, CT. He cherished the memory of his infant daughter, Ellen Talerico, who passed away in 1962. He also leaves his grandchildren, Chelesea Talerico, and Ashley Talerico: and Lori’s children, Patrick, Sean, and Ryan Burr; his great-grandchildren, Isabella, and Carmella; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, Joann and Paul Turk, Marie Talerico, Henry and Linda Talerico, and Olympia Riccardi; in-laws, Kathleen Brown, and Donald and Susan Brown; and longtime friends, Everett and Sharlene Whipple who enriched his life. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Hazel and John “Jas” Topor, Joan Marie Brown, Virginia Brown, John B. Wisniewski, and Lester “Buzzey” Brown, Jr. The family extends their gratitude to Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., especially acknowledging Crystal, and Eileen and to the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the compassionate care rendered to Jerry during his final journey. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a contribution in Jerry’s honor to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Gerald’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Sister Betty Giarrusso, CSJ officiating the ceremony with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Gerald A. "Jerry" Talerico

November 29, 1926 - February 10, 2017