Gerald "Jerry" Bevilacqua

Jerry Bevilacqua was the love of my life - a caring, funny, devoted family man who brought warmth, laughter, and positivity to everyone he met. For 55 years we loved each other deeply, and for 11 of those years he walked beside me through my cancer journey, somehow making even the hardest days lighter with his humor and optimism. I was truly blessed to share my life with him and grateful that he lived a full and meaningful 93 years.

Jerry was a natural problem solver with endless creative ideas and a gift for making friends wherever he went. He fought cancer not only with courage, but with the way he lived - never giving up, always choosing joy, laughter, and connection. In the final days of his life, he shared stories and future laughter with those he loved most. He was surrounded by family, love, and warmth, and when he was too weak to fight, his family, friends, and devoted doctors fought for him.

A proud veteran, Jerry served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War and was stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station. He often delighted in telling the story of how he became one of the few men in the Navy who never learned to swim - a story that never failed to make people smile.

Jerry found joy in life's simple pleasures: golf, tennis, bocce, and especially time with his family. One of his proudest achievements came at age 92, when his grandson Michael taught him how to swim in the pool - a moment that brought him immense pride and happiness.

Professionally, Jerry spent more than 50 years working in land development, home building, and banking. He valued the friendships he formed throughout his career and was widely known as an inspiration, admired for his sharp wit, sense of humor, intelligence, and remarkable creativity.

Jerry and his beloved wife Gail, married for 45 wonderful years, shared a love of travel. Together they explored the United States, Europe, Russia, and Costa Rica, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime and remained close to their hearts.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Gail; his sister, Yolanda Selmeczki; children , Bret, Troy, Chet and Alta ; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Kelsey, Jake, Carson, Dominic, Nathan, Lindsay, and Michael.

Burial will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in memory of Gerald Bevilacqua to City of Hope Cancer Center – Phoenix, Goodyear, Arizona 85338.