Gerald Massanova

1941 - 2021

Gerald E. Massanova, 79, of Vermilion, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at New Life Hospice after a short illness with complications from Covid-19.He was born May 10, 1941 in Connellsville, PA and he had been a Vermilion resident for the past 52 years moving from Connellsville.Jerry graduated from Connellsville High School and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Frankfort Germany from 1961 to 1964.Jerry worked for Ford Motor Co., Lorain for 30 years and retired as an Inspector. He then became the caretaker of the Hickory Creek Farm for 15 years, he was a high school referee for 20 years, and served as past president of the NOFOA.Jerry was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Vermilion and a 35 year member of the Vermilion Lions Club, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship award in 2008. He also volunteered with the Vermilion Salvation Army and with Main Street Vermilion. He was on the Wednesday Morning Watering Crew as well as helping to plant and take care of the flower beds in front of the Great Lakes Museum. He was a life member of the Vermilion AMVETS Post #22 and ELY Lodge #424. Gerald enjoyed gardening, golfing, hunting, traveling, and volunteering.He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Renie Massanova of Vermilion; daughter, Christina (Matthew) Massanova-Becker of Brighton, MI; son, Jeffrey Massanova of Vermilion; granddaughter, Abigail Becker of Brighton, MI; and many other loving relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Rapheal and Anna (nee Kirik) Mass; sisters, Margaret Goswick, Viola Hart, Julia Tutich, and Anna Simpson; and his brothers, Tony Mass and Michael Mass.The family will receive friends on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Private services will be held after the visitation. The Reverend Allison LeBrun will officiate. Friends and family who want to attend the visitation are welcome to, but due to Covid-19, we are asking that people be careful to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and refrain from embracing.The family suggests memorial contributions to Vermilion Salvation Army, P.O. Box 510, Vermilion, OH 44089, Vermilion Lions Club, P.O. Box 94, Vermilion, OH 44089, or Main Street Vermilion, 685 Main Street,Vermilion, Ohio 44089 .Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.