GERALD RUBERTI

GERALD J. RUBERTI CLINTON - Gerald J. Ruberti, 88, of Clinton, Mass., died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family, on Sunday, October 13, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marjorie (Dilling) Ruberti, their three daughters, Linda Testa and her husband, Sam, of Clinton; Catherine Ruberti of Clinton; and Mary Brunelle of Petersham; three grandchildren, Gina Testa and husband Craig Silvio of Lancaster; Anthony Testa of Clinton; and Maria Testa and partner Daniel Rush of Los Angeles, Calif.; four sisters, Constance Gates of Sterling; Sylvia Quinn of Albany, N.Y.; Mary Cravedi of Sterling; and Veronica Tinker of Princeton; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Michael and his son-in-law Kevin Brunelle. Gerald was born January 5, 1936, in Clinton, the son of the late Constantino and Eleanor (Pellegrini) Ruberti. He attended Our Lady of the Rosary Parish School and graduated from Clinton High School in 1953. He maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates. A Korean War veteran, he joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with his father's permission. He proudly served his country aboard the USS Cony DDE 508 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer, Sonar Operator, until his honorable discharge in 1957. After his discharge and time spent working in construction, Gerald owned and operated Jerry's Sandwich Shop on Main Street for several years. Following the sale of his business, he spent 34 years in the commercial baking industry, beginning as a route sales driver and later as supervisor and branch manager for Wonder Bread/Hostess. He managed 13 bakery thrift stores located throughout New England and subsequently became sales manager at the home bakery in Natick. He would then go on to spend the remainder of his career as a supervisor for Nissen Baking Company, retiring in 1999. He was a longtime member of the Teamsters, Local #170, Worcester, Mass. After retirement, he enjoyed 14 years of cutting the rough at International Golf Course in Bolton, Mass., and made many friends. Gerald was installed as the first commander of Clinton Italian American Veterans Post #68 and would hold various offices for many years. He also served on Clinton Veterans' Council. A self-taught oil paint and watercolor artist, his scenes of Clinton as remembered from his youth are a delight to fellow Clintonians. His paintings won many awards, including at Clinton's Olde Home Day and the Bolton Fair. He passed on his love of art and the town, having been invited to speak on several occasions to high school students. Gerald spent his free time watching the Red Sox, reading and listening to music, as well as working on many projects around his home. He loved Maine and enjoyed family summer vacations at York Beach. In his younger days he cherished his Harley Davidson and motorcycle riding and was an aviation enthusiast who earned his pilot's certificate and enjoyed flying and spending time at Sterling Airport. Above all, Gerald treasured his family. He would often say his greatest accomplishment was his three daughters. He took great pride in his grandchildren and attending all their activities. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his absence will forever leave a void in our hearts. "I love you, Gerry. I'll miss you." "We love you, Dad!" Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, from Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water Street, Clinton, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union Street, Clinton. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 3 until 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's memory may be made to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, In Memory Program, to which his brother was posthumously inducted in 2014. www.vvmf.org/In-Memory-Program/. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.