Gerard "Jerry" Morano

It is with deep love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Gerard "Jerry" Morano, who died peacefully in his sleep on May 18, 2025, at the age of 80. A decorated war veteran, international marketing executive, devoted family man, and magnetic storyteller, Jerry lived a life filled with purpose, creativity, and service to others.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Jerry was the son of the late Gerard Morano Sr. and Pauline Morano. He attended Evander Childs High School, earned degrees in American Literature from Lehman College, Finance from the City University of New York, and an MBA in Marketing from Pace University's Lubin School of Business, where he also served as a student and alumni mentor.
In 1967, Jerry was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a squad leader with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War, one of the most decorated U.S. Army units of the conflict. He fought bravely during the Tet Offensive of 1968, a major turning point in the war marked by a massive, coordinated assault by North Vietnamese forces across South Vietnam. His unit's actions during this campaign earned national recognition for their valor and resilience under fire. Jerry was a highly decorated sergeant, awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Vietnam Service Medal with four battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal, and more. In 2001, he was honored by New York State with the Conspicuous Service Star with Silver Device and the Medal of Merit.
After returning home, Jerry built a distinguished career in marketing. He began at ITT Continental Baking, where he also met his beloved wife Allison, working on iconic campaigns for Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes. As VP of Marketing, Sales, and Communications at Quality Bakers of America, he led brand development across North America, the UK, Asia, and Mexico, including the U.S. introduction of Grupo Bimbo's product line. Later, as Executive Vice President at Solutions Marketing LLC, he helped launch award-winning campaigns for BIC, Walmart, Coca-Cola, and the Boy Scouts of America. His work earned Clio, Telly, Addy, and Radio Mercury Awards, and was featured in Advertising Age, Progressive Grocer, and several veterans' publications.
In 2009, Jerry founded Cygone Productions LLC, dedicated to empowering Vietnam veterans and veteran-owned businesses. He mentored start-ups, advised small businesses in minority communities, and served as a political consultant in Westchester County. He remained active in the Westchester County Veterans Commission, Vietnam Veterans of America National Task Force, Washington, DC, and Local chapters of the VVA and the American Legion.
Jerry was a man of vibrant passions. He was rarely without a camera, capturing everyday beauty through photography and videography. In his youth, he was the lead vocalist of The Stratfords, a Bronx doo-wop group signed to Universal Records. One of Jerry's favorite nightly rituals was his phone calls with his son, Steven, where they'd catch up and talk about whatever movies or TV shows they had watched that week, an ongoing conversation filled with laughter, opinions, and shared stories. He also deeply valued his monthly dinners with lifelong friends from The Bronx to his Vietnam brothers-in-arms, always preserving the bonds that shaped his life.
He was the glue of the family, organizing large family reunions to keep generations connected and hosting their street's annual block parties to bring neighbors together. He loved taking long walks with Allison along the shores of Oakland Beach and the boardwalk at Playland, often followed by concerts at the Capitol Theatre, one of their favorite date night traditions. The couple shared a deep love of nature, making yearly visits to the Bronx Zoo and the Bronx Botanical Gardens, leaf-peeping in Vermont, visiting lighthouses and scenic train rides along the New England coast, and exploring charming towns across Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Their beloved cats, Sneakers and Blossom, brought him comfort and joy, especially during the most difficult days of cancer treatment.
One of the most meaningful moments in Jerry's final year was witnessing his son Steven marry the love of his life, Ghada, in December 2024. Jerry was filled with pride and joy meeting Ghada's wonderful family, celebrating a beautiful Christmas together, and watching his family grow. It brought him tremendous peace to be surrounded by love and laughter that week.
Throughout his life, Jerry faced multiple battles with cancer, along with other serious health conditions. Yet he endured with quiet resilience, never complaining, always putting others first. His strength, humor, and unwavering love continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Allison Morano; his son, Steven Morano, and daughter-in-law, Ghada Morano; his brother, John Morano, and sister-in-law, Angela Morano; his niece, Sabrina Morano Blomberg, her husband, Erik Blomberg, and their son, Carson Morano Blomberg.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Graham Funeral Home, 1036 Boston Post Road, Rye, NY. A Graveside Service will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Greenwood Union Cemetery, 215 North Street, Rye, NY. Guests may proceed directly to the cemetery, where staff will assist with directions.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the USO, two causes close to his heart.