Gerardo "Jerry" Bozzone

Gerardo “Jerry” Bozzone passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on December 31, 2025, just hours before his 79th birthday. He was born on New Year’s Day 1947 in the war-torn mountain village of Sant’Andrea di Conza, Italy – known as the “Town of Water” for its natural springs. He was the second child of Rosa Bellini and Luigi Bozzone. At the age of six, Jerry emigrated to the United States, an experience that instilled in him resilience and a deep appreciation for what mattered most. He spent nearly all his life in New Jersey, living and exemplifying the American dream.

A graduate of the “University of Life,” Jerry traveled a path marked by purpose and authenticity. At 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served three years, including one tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his role in Operation Desoto, during which he braved enemy fire and a burning ammunition depot to resupply mortars to fellow Marines. His military service set the tone for how he navigated the world: calm under pressure, unafraid, and decisive.

Jerry had a sharp mind for business. He began his post-war life as an entrepreneur, opening a Blimpie in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He built this successful business on the centrally located corner of Easton Avenue and Albany Street, a site that was later acquired by Johnson & Johnson to house its headquarters. He went on to capitalize on a 1984 regulatory change that allowed private ownership of payphones, ultimately building a route of more than 100 phones throughout Central New Jersey. Later, he played an instrumental role in developing several large residential projects in New Brunswick.

The Blimpie was far more than a sandwich shop; it became a community gathering place. It was there that Jerry met his wife, Barbara Blauvelt Bozzone, with whom he had three children. The family was raised in Readington, New Jersey, in a brick home built from the ground up by his father, brother, and uncles – all skilled Italian tradesmen. Jerry took great pride in being home for family dinner every night, spent countless summers coaching baseball, and retired early to dedicate more time to his family. Though divorced, Jerry and Barbara remained lifelong friends. In 1996, Jerry married Carmen Betancourt; while they later divorced, Carmen became his partner once again during the final year of his life. Her love and devotion during that time are deeply appreciated by the family.

Throughout his 79 years, Jerry laughed easily, worked hard, feared little, and told epic stories. He learned and remembered everyone’s name, spoke to those others overlooked, and said the things most only dared to think. He was grateful for life’s simple pleasures, cooked for strangers as readily as for loved ones, saved lives, over-tipped, and never missed a chance to “check in.” An avid reader, he highlighted his books. A lifelong fitness devotee, he trained consistently with the same personal trainer for 28 years and famously completed 74 pushups on his 74th birthday. He obsessed over cleanliness (even building his own personal shower in Vietnam), had his jeans tailored, amassed an enviable collection of festive shirts, and had the good sense to throw away anything he didn’t need. He loved the sun and the ocean, danced as though he were a professional, instinctively knew which horse to bet, and never shied away from putting his genuine self on display.

Above all, Jerry cherished being a father and grandfather. A self-taught chef, his kitchen was the heart of family life. Sunday dinners were lively and often crowded, with extra chairs pulled up for guests eager for his red sauce, stuffed artichokes and grilled king crab legs. Jerry leaves behind his three children and their spouses: Mark Bozzone & Kristin Zeto; Kristen & Rob Armstrong; and Michael & Jaime Bozzone. His legacy continues through his six adored grandchildren: Abigail and William Armstrong; Makayla Shea, John Gerardo & Adrianna Bozzone; and Louisa Bozzone. He is also survived by his best friend and brother-in-law, Jack Blauvelt, along with countless extended family members and lifelong friends – all of whom were fortunate to experience the one-of-a-kind Jerry Bozzone. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Taddeo.

All are welcome to join us for a Celebration of Life at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 24 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Please contact Kristen at [email protected] for more details. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Jerry’s memory with a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/JerryBozzone).