Joseph G. Gerics

Loved His Family

Joseph G. Gerics, 90, of Trumbull, beloved husband of Mary Spodnik Gerics, died April 13 at St Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport surrounded by his family. Survivors include his son David of Newtown.

 Born in Bridgeport, January 9, 1919, his parents, Franc and Magda Filbar Gerics, returned to Yugoslavia with him when he was 2. He returned to the United States at the age of 18, and served in the US Army in campaigns in England, Italy, and Africa during World War II for 40 months. He then met Mary, the love of his life, and together raised a family of six. He worked at Acme United for 47 years, retiring as the superintendent of the cast iron division in 1986. He was a member of St Joseph Society Branch 19 FCSU and Acme’s Quarter Century Club. He loved gardening, taking great pride in his parklike grounds and growing the first tomato each year. “Dedek” also loved to play cards, particularly pinochle with his children and grandchildren. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family and enjoyed close relationships with all of them.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of 59 years; six children, a brother, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His family is most grateful to Drs Cooper, Dhanjal, Muldoon, and Weed and nurses, Stephanie and Shelly for their loving care.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, at 9 am, in the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford, and at 10 am in St Catherine of Siena Church, Shelton Road, Trumbull where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Trumbull. Visitation at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home was scheduled from 4 to 8 pm Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Sisters of Sts Cyril and Methodius Villa Sacred Heart, Danville PA 17821-1698. To light a virtual candle, visit www.galellofuneralhome.com.

Newtown Bee              April 17, 2009