JERRY A. CLARIZIO

Jerry A. Clarizio, age 92, of Chicago, IL passed away June 1, 2011. Jerry (Gennaro) Clarizio's star was born to heaven yesterday by one thousand angels. He was the first born son of immigrant parents Luco and Margarita, nee Rico. He grew up in Chicago's Taylor Street neighborhood during the Great Depression. As a young teen, he attended the first All-Star Game at Comiskey Park, held as part of the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago, and saw Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Charlie Gehringer play in that game. Jerry met his wife Mary, nee Garaffa, in 1940. They started their long love together with a date at the movie theatre in Downtown Chicago on a September evening. Jerry enlisted in the Army soon after war broke out in 1941 and served in the U.S. Signal Corp., Company B of the 31st Signal Heavy Construction Battalion in India, Burma and China. In May 1947, Jerry and Mary were married at Holy Family on the city's Near West Side. He graduated from DePaul University in 1952 with a Bachelors Degree in Economics and in 1960 with a Masters Degree in Education. He taught in the Chicago Public School System from 1957-1986. After his retirement, he often volunteered as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny at school functions. Jerry was a past president of the Gregorians. He loved to spend time with his wife and grandchildren Laura, Renee (Dan) Cahill, Anthony, Christopher and Nicholas. He loved to read, garden and travel. He and Mary loved their trips to Italy, France, Germany, Hawaii and Hong Kong, China as much as they loved driving around for a ride on a warm summer evening going to get rainbow ice cream. Jerry is survived by Mary, his wife of 64 years; his sons Jerry (Antonia) and Rich (Diane); five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, Grace and Claire; his sister Antoinette (the late George) Miller; his brothers Frank (Marianne) and Jack (the late Teresa); several cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral Saturday, 8:30 a.m. from Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge to St. Eugene Church, Mass 9:30 a.m. Entombment All Saints Mausoleum. Visitation Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. The family asks that you do not send flowers. You may remember Jerry when you look at the stars and see his star shining brightly in the heavens. Remember to say I love you to those you love and hold dear. 708-456-8300. www.cumberlandchapels.com