Jerry John Boccella

Jerry John Boccella, 90, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024 surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his siblings Earl, Lorraine, Pat, Rudy, Dolores, Raymond, Albert, and Ronald, his daughter-in-law Dorothy A. Boccella, his grandson, Kenneth P. DiAmico, and his great-granddaughter, Avery E. DiAmico.
Born on February 18, 1934 to Pasquale and Pauline (nee Prudenti) Boccella, Jerry was devoted to and survived by his wife Nancy (nee Fiore), children Jerry (Lisa), Anthony (Terri), Teresa (Kenneth) DiAmico, Marijo (Michael) Ulrich, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, his sister, Pauline Lackman, and many nieces and nephews.
Never without perfect hair and a charming smile, Jerry, affectionately called "Pop Pop" by his family, was loved by all who knew him. His lifelong love, however, was his darling wife, Nancy. Jerry's physical training motto early in their courtship was "gotta get a date with Nancy," and this persistence eventually won her over. They were married on May 5, 1956 and, after his brief service in the Army from 1956 - 1958, they built a 67-year legacy of love, laughter, and happy memories.
Jerry was a proud member of the Local 56 Meat Cutters Union working for The Great Atlantic & Pacific (A&P) Tea Company for 37 years. Retired in 1997, Jerry supported A&P as a cutter and Meat Department Manager in Philadelphia stores that included locations at the Boulevard and Brous, Wayne and Chelten, and Spruce street.
The patriarch of the family, Jerry would always keep love and laughter as staples of every gathering. He taught us how to look sharp, keep your belongings neat and organized, and was keen on bringing levity to any situation. Pop is associated with many classic one-liners such as "Age before beauty" or "Just a stack of twenties" when asked if he needed anything.
His life, love, and example will remain deeply entrenched in those he leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abington Community Library in honor of Jerry's late daughter-in-law, the namesake of the Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace. Please use this link to donate in support of the library and lifelong learning: https://lclshome.org/support-abington-community-library/