Mr. Ben J. "Benny" Gerardo Jr.

UTICA - Mr. Ben J. “Benny” Gerardo, Jr., age 89, went to heaven on his own terms when he passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018 with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on December 12, 1928, Ben was the son of the late Ben J., Sr. and Lena (Caterine) Gerardo. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1947 and continued his studies at the Utica School of Commerce. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Benny honorably served his country in central Europe from 1951-1953 during the Korean War Era. Benny’s life work was in the art of printing. He owned the New Hartford Printing Shop located on 12B South and was privileged to work alongside his family who held the integrity and success of the printing enterprise in their hearts. In his profession, Benny was clearly a competent, hardworking man with foresight and a feeling for the printing business. He welcomed people to join him in conversation on many levels. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing at his camp at Kayuta Lake where everyone gathered, especially his sister and late brother-in-law “Hank”, to enjoy boating, card games (pinochle was the game of choice), and relaxation after a long week. Benny really loved outdoor walks and mushroom picking. He passed his knowledge of how things work in the natural world to his nieces and nephews and played a big part in their lives. In his backyard, he cultivated vegetable plants from seeds that flourished under his fine care and produced fertile, fruitful gardens through the years. One of his favorite indoor hobbies was maintaining his fishtanks, learning fish facts, and finding serenity while doing it. Benny was also an ingenious craftsman who was able to analyze styles and specifications of projects he found in books and bring them to life as he built them. Until the end of his days, he remained a loyal New York Yankees fan, often yelling at their performances! During his working days, he was a member of the New Hartford Rotary. He was of the Catholic faith and was spiritually renewed through weekly Mass. At the age of 62, Benny suffered a stroke, and even though his body did not regain full capacity, he kept his spirt and sense of adventure. His beloved sister Johanna became his primary caretaker, and he was blessed with extended family who was concerned about him. He was special to all his loved ones. Ben is survived by his sister, Johanna Demma; and his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; they were his kids and he was an amazing uncle to all of them. He also leaves his cousins; his sister-in-law, Antoinette “Aunt T” Gerardo; and his many friends who blessed his life along the way. He was predeceased by his siblings, Anthony Gerardo, Marie Gerardo, Frank “Hank” Gerardo, and Joseph Gerardo; and his brother-in-law, Jack Demma. The family is grateful to the staff of the Presbyterian Home who made Ben’s life the best it could be. He was so fond of them and was appreciative of the many amenities available to him including the activities room and his ability to get around and socialize with fellow residents. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Ben's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. Military Honors will be conferred by the United States Army.

Mr. Ben J. "Benny" Gerardo Jr.

December 12, 1928 - July 23, 2018