James N Gerardi

Schenectady – James (Jim) N. Gerardi, 93, passed away on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center. Jim was the youngest son of the late John and Rose Gerardi, and step-father James Volpe. Born January 25, 1923 in Schenectady, he resided in the family home where he was born until September 2016. His parents, Italian immigrants, made Jim and his five siblings first generation Italian-Americans. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Columba's then St. Luke's Catholic churches. A graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Jim was a World War II veteran, serving in the US Navy on the USS Wilkes Barre in the Pacific. He served with honor as one of our nation's "greatest generation". After the war, Jim worked for the American Locomotive Company (Alco) before his employment with the General Electric Company (GE) where he was a machine operator for 37 years. He retired in 1985 earning his membership in the GE Quarter Century Club. He enjoyed camping with his young family, all types of music, attending his sons and grandchildren's sporting events, reading, and even survived being struck by lightning while playing golf. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, the late Margaret (Peggy) Telfer Gerardi, and his brothers, Theodore, John, Joseph, Marco and Lawrence. Jim leaves behind his sons, James J. Gerardi (Diane), Peter Gerardi (Andrea) and Robert Gerardi (Maryrose) as well as grandchildren, Jennifer DeBerardinis, Margaret Gerardi, Gabriela DeBurgomaster, Leah Hains, and Bryce Belvin, his great grandchildren, Corinne and Hattie, Owen and Nora, and several nieces and nephews. A kind and gracious man, he surely will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 8th from 3-5pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. in Rotterdam. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10am at the funeral home. Interment will take place at the old St. Joseph’s Cemetery on State St. in Schenectady. The family extends its gratitude to the staff of Ingersoll Place and Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for the care and comfort provided to Jim and his family. Contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.