Gerald Francis DeMarco

1939 - 2020

DeMarco, Gerald Francis, passed away July 27, 2020, a victim of Covid-19. Jerry was born in Copaigue, NY, December 5, 1939. He graduated from Farmingdale High School ('57) and earned advanced degrees in architecture from Carnegie-Mellon ('62) and Princeton ('64) Universities and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University in 1979. He was married to Sylvia Sharr on September 1, 1962 at the Holy Rosary Church in Sisterville, WV, and they enjoyed over 50 years together until her passing in April 22, 2013. Jerry's vocation was inspired by his father, Joseph L. DeMarco, and aside from brief stints with firms in Scranton, PA, and Miami, FL, Jerry presided over his own firm as Gerald F. DeMarco, Architect. He practiced in Scranton from the late 1960s until 1981. After moving to Miami, Jerry reestablished his practice in 1982 and operated it until his passing. Jerry was passionate about his profession, and imparted that ardor to students in the engineering and architecture schools at the University of Miami as an adjunct professor for over 30 years, until 2015. Jerry was fond of talented students who were underrepresented in the field and encouraged them to achieve their goals. Several of those students became employees or associates. Jerry's legacy as a designer is visible in many distinctive buildings in the Scranton area, such as Adams Plaza, Olive Place, and St. Vincent dePaul Roman Catholic Church as well as The Lincoln Theater, Little River School, San Ignacio and Christ the King churches, Firehouse 4 restaurant, and the recently completed Redfish Grill in Miami. Jerry's expertise in structural engineering was often sought by others as well as in the courtroom. Jerry had a keen intellect and was constantly expanding his knowledge in his field and in the areas of geopolitics and history. He also devoted time and energy to his college alma maters, especially Princeton, serving as a long-time applicant interviewer. Jerry also expanded his mind with puzzles, completing every one daily in the Miami Herald along with NPR's Sunday Puzzler. Jerry also loved the fine arts, especially music, serving on the board of directors for the Northeastern Philharmonic during his time in Scranton. He played the piano and was a choir member of St. Richard's/Holy Rosary parish, where he was a communicant. Aside from his office, Jerry's other office was the kitchen. He loved preparing and sharing meals with family and friends. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mildred DeMarco and his wife, Sylvia. Jerry is survived by his two brothers Tom (Bona) DeMarco of Shaker Heights, OH, and Ray DeMarco of Eliot, ME, his four children Damian (Laura) DeMarco of Andover, NY, Deanna (David) Stevens of Lafayette, CO, Dara (Nadja) DeMarco of Cutler Bay, FL, and Dain DeMarco of San Francisco, CA, as well as grandchildren Devin, Dominic, and Deia DeMarco, as well as his aunt Dorothy Hoffman of Shallotte, NC, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Due to the pandemic, there will be no physical funeral or burial service. A virtual memorial will be created by Marcie Davis. Marcie will accept any photos of Jerry you may want to share. She will then send a link with a time and date for the service. You may contact her at marciedavis@mac.com. An in-person memorial will be scheduled at a time when publicly safe. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make contributions in Jerry's name to your local NPR/PBS affiliate or OXFAM.