Roland "Tex" Gerardi

Roland "Tex" Gerardi, 89, of Worcester, and Misquamicat Beach, Westerly R.I. died Peacefully Monday, November 12, 2007 at home surrounded by his loving family. His wife Lena A. (Ricciardi) Gerardi died Nov. 23, 2004. Tex is survived by three sons; Roland "Ronnie" Gerardi Jr. of Worcester, Mark D. Gerardi of Shrewsbury, and Kevin L. Gerardi and Susan of West Springfield, six daughters; Sheila Gerardi of Shrewsbury, Sharon Gerardi-Smick and her husband Arthur of Worcester, Karen Gerardi of West Boylston, Robin Cano and her husband Steven of Millbury, Kim Cofone and her husband Mario, of Westerly, R.I. and Marybeth Friel and her husband David of Webster, New York. Thirteen grandchildren, Angelo "Jay", Kam Lee, Savanah, Tristan, Evan, Trenton, Ariadne, Lianna, Mathew, Angelina, Frankie, Erica, Kara, and two Great-grandchildren, Jacob and Marissa.

Tex is also survived by two sisters; Rose Lanava, and Helen Gremo, two brothers; Leonard Gerardi and his wife Marilyn, and Peter, Gerardi and his wife Lucy, sisters-in-law Theresa Aiello, Mary Gerardi, Sylvia Gerardi, Jennie Gerardi, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brothers; William "Willow" Gerardi, and Chris, and Tro Gerardi, and a sister Florence Dunkerly.

He was born in Worcester son of Nunziato and Antoinette (Paldino) Gerardi and has lived here all his life. He attended Worcester Boys Trade School. Tex was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy During WWII serving in the European Theatre. Tex started his career as a mechanic at Charles Chevrolet, and worked at various Dealerships before starting his own business, Tex's Service Station, on Hamilton St. in 1947 which he owned and operated up until 2003.

Tex was a member of Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel-St. Ann Church, the East Side Post # 201 American Legion, and former ITAM Club. Tex's was a fixture on the hill for many years where numerous teenager's got their first job pumping gas, and working around the garage learning the trade. He loved going to the track and Summers at Misquamicut Beach. Tex was a great Father, and Provider, and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Tex's funeral will be held Thursday from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel-St. Ann Church, 24 Mulberry St. Calling hours will be held from 3-7 PM On Wednesday. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Flowers maybe sent or contributions to Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel-St. Ann Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester, MA 01605. Member of the East Side Post 201 will meet at the funeral home at 7PM to perform their ritual.