EAST PEORIA - Gerald "Jerry" Roy Girardi, 81, of East Peoria, Ill., died at Snyder Village in Metamora, Ill., at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012.
He was born on May 5, 1931, in Peoria to George and Kathryn Beoletto Girardi. He married Angela Perino in 1959 in Tampico, Ill. To this marriage five children were born, John (Jennifer) Girardi of Chicago, George (Teresa) of Fort Collins, Colo., Maria Girardi of Columbia, SC, Joe (Kim) Girardi of New York, N.Y., and Jerry Girardi of Chicago. He also is survived by six grandchildren.
His wife, Angela, preceded him in death on June 28, 1984. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Ronald.
Jerry served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Later he worked in construction sales for National Gypsum Co. and also worked as a bricklayer.
He enjoyed coaching his children's sports teams, which he did for many years, and also was very active at Sacred Heart Grade School and Spalding High School, where he was past president of the Booster Club. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria. He also was a member of AMVETS Post 64 in Peoria, Roanoke American Legion Post 809, Laborers Union 165 in Peoria, Knights of Columbus Council in East Peoria and the Italian-American Society in Peoria.
There will be a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peoria. Father Larry Zurek will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria, with a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico, IL, at 2:30 p.m. Monday.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Snyder Village. Jerry's memorial website may be found at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where online condolences may be sent to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeff Carter
November 3, 2012
Very sorry to hear of George's dad passing. He was a great dad and had a great family. Very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.
October 21, 2012
my sympathy to your family and may you be in peace for all you days. You have served well and now it is time to rest.
jerry wetherby
f reedy
October 17, 2012
i'd like to encourage anyone who'd care to learn more about mr. girardi and the amazing story of his and his wife's children to pick up the 9-24-12 'the new yorker' piece authored by gay talese about jerry's middle son, joe, and his love for a dad who meant and did so much for this remarkable family. mr. girardi not only earned his eternal reward, but he apparently spent most waking moments unselfishly pursuing it! many prayers for this wonderful example of a husband, father and man, and all my sympathy to his family.
Theresa (Wheeler) Metz
October 17, 2012
Girardi Family,
I remember Jerry when he was a member of the Sunnyland "Old Farts". He was always a gentleman and enjoyable to be around with his cheerful attitude.
I too have lost my father to Alzheimer which is a difficult disease. It is always hard to lose a parent no matter what caused it.
Please know that I will be lifting you and your family in prayer.
May Jesus Bless you with peace in your heart.
Laurie Smith
October 15, 2012
I have been a Yankees fan since I was 12, and growing up in California....I'm now 48, living just south of Peoria, and STILL a fan. The Yankees are like family to me, and when I heard of Jerry's passing, I was saddened deeply. My heart goes out to the entire Girardi clan, and Joe, especially to you, as you have been a trooper and an example to all in this last difficult week and a half, all you've had to deal with. From what I have read, your folks did good with you and your siblings. You and all your family are in my prayers. It's difficult losing a parent, I know. Lost my mom in '04, right as we were moving to Illinois. The Lord bless you and keep you all, now and in the days to come.
kim barberio
October 15, 2012
Girardi Family,
Not sure if you will remember my dad, Charles Smith, worked with your dad @ National Gypsum in Peoria. We last saw Jerry when he was in St Louis years ago to watch Joe play, I think when he was with the Cardinals. I have a few memories as a child, but know my dad would say Jerry was a good friend and co-worker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Kim(Smith)Barberio
October 15, 2012
Dear Joe and family:
The love you show others and your determination to do the right thing always whether it is with your family, your team, your friends, and everyone else are the gifts of your father whose spirit will live in you and your children forever.
Sincerely,
Dee and Bill Hogan-East Rochester, New York
Andy Hibser
October 15, 2012
Sympathy to the entire Girardi family on your loss. I have fond memories of playing travel ball with Joe for Leroy Schmidt team and Mr and Mrs Girardi were very nice people. May God take care of him now and he will always be remembered.
Michael & Pamela Lee
October 15, 2012
Dear Girardi Family,
Michael and I want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, Jerry. We had the opportunity to meet him in Fort Collins. He was very proud of you, George and all of his children. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ann Ferretti
October 15, 2012
Our sympathy to the Girardi family at this time. I will always remember a ride with your dad to see a Cubs game back in 1990 and him telling us "it's just over the hill". As part of the Beoletto family may he rest in peace.
October 14, 2012
To George and all the Girardi family, my deepest sympathies to you all from Bob Jackson's son Joe. I remember your Dad coming over to our house and watching the Cubs games on Dads Sattelite. I also hope you're still into swimming George. I also hope your faith in Jesus has not swayed, cause that is who our fathers are now with. His Grace be with you and all yours.
randy szidon
October 14, 2012
dear joe it was nice to see you
at the hospatio dan
October 14, 2012
Dear Joe,
Our sincere thoughts and prayers to you and your family at hearing about the loss of your beloved father, Jerry.
We would like to extend our gratitude to you for your kindness to our beloved father, Joseph Innocenzi. We will always remember and appreciate the times you came to visit him during his illness before he passed away.
Love from,
Gloria,Patty and our children, Chris, Jennifer, Ryan and Tyler. Scottsdale, AZ
Amy Salerno
October 13, 2012
Dear Maria and brothers:
The loss of your dad reminds me of the incredible legacy he left in each of you -- God blessed each of you with a certain special brilliance which shines in the work you do and the friends you touch each day. Wow! Your dad was an amazing man to raise and cherish each of you for your unique place in your family.
Maria, you are especially in my prayers as you grieve the loss of your dad. I recall with fondness the many meals you cooked -- always with a hat-tip to your dad and your Italian roots. May you and your brothers find renewed joy, one in another, when you break bread together as your dad taught you to do so well.
Blessings to all of you.
Amy R. Salerno, MD
Pat&Carl kozlevcar
October 13, 2012
Our prayers and condolences are with the Girardi Family. We got acquainted with them as our sons played ball against each other.
randy szidon
October 13, 2012
dear girardi i am sarry sincle
dan dewary
Annie Contarino Frehn
October 12, 2012
Dear Joe, Jerry & entire Girardi Family,
My heart felt prayers & love I send to you during this difficult time. Your family has always meant so much to me.
October 12, 2012
TO THE GIRARDI FAMILY,
PLEASE EXSCEPT MY SINCEREST SYMPATHIES FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. I ENJOYED TALKING SPORTS AND EACH OF YOUR ACCMPLISHMENTS AT COFFEE IN THE MORNINGS AT THE A &W RESTAURANT IN WASHINGTON. MY WIFE AND I SPENT MANY
FUN NIGHTS AT THE TAVERN.
GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.
RON LIND
October 12, 2012
OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY, JUDY (STANLEY)& BILL CARR & FAMILIES
Guy Aylward
October 12, 2012
Jerry was a truly genuine guy. I worked with him for a couple of years in Peoria when Joe played for the chiefs. Great times. We never missed a home game.
October 12, 2012
Dear Girardi Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Stephanie Venzon Fussner
Sonny & Rita Holmes
October 12, 2012
To the Girardi family...Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I remember Jerry from many years ago and was always such a kind man. Some of my fondest memories are playing baseball with Joe growing up. May Jerry rest in peace.
Lori Tigue
October 12, 2012
My sympathy for the entire family. Alzheimer's is tough-I lost my Mom 2 weeks ago to Alzheimer's. Will miss your Dad and Ron, may they rest in peace together.
Tom Fahey
October 12, 2012
Jerry, I am so very sorry for your loss..... God Bless you and your family at this time. He is now home with God and your wonderful Mother.
October 12, 2012
I knew and worked with Jerry on several construction jobs in the Peo area. I was 4 years older. I remember how hard he worked to get an education. He would lay bricks for a few months, save his money, and go to Bradley for a while to pick up more credits. It was a long struggle but he made it. He was refreshing to be around, up beat, and never taked down to or about other people. May Jerry's soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Bob Curry past president of Bricklyers union #3 in Peoria Ill. I am now retired in Homosassa Fl where my wife Eva and I celebrated our 65 wedding anniversary in September.
mike wileman
October 12, 2012
George and Joe so sorry for your loss this will be a tough time but know that he is with God now remember the good times and cherish them
October 12, 2012
To the Girardi Family, we extend our sympathy. We had the honor of meeting him just a few times and we will keep all of you and him in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Ed and Joanie Papis
dan dewyer
October 12, 2012
dear joe and family i am sarry to
here about your dad dan dewyer
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