Jerry J. Vecchio Sr.

Jerry J. Vecchio Sr., 66, of Watertown, NY, passed away on May 20, 2025, in Syracuse, NY.
Jerry was born on February 21, 1959, in Watertown, the son of Bill and Joan (Chiappone) Vecchio. He was a 1977 graduate of Immaculate Heart Central School. He went on to attend Canton ATC and later graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelor's degree.
A passionate entrepreneur throughout his life, Jerry owned and operated several businesses in the North Country. He owned and operated Vecchio's Produce in Watertown,Vecchio Boy's Pizza in Evans Mills, and later started Blue Mountain Spring Water in Watertown. He went on to become co-owner of Aqua Valley Springwater in Edmeston, NY. Jerry was also a co-owner of Star-Spangled CrossFit, with good friend Leo Rogers. In addition, he enjoyed buying, renovating and selling residential properties, that he usually ended up renting or selling to friends or family that needed a place to call home. He also owned many commercial properties in the Watertown area over the years. On November 22, 1997, Jerry married Cindy L. Higgins, on a snowy, fall day in Upstate NY. The two are soul mates in every sense of the word, something that even death will be unable to come between. The couple made their home in Watertown, NY where they raised their family, and welcomed all friends and family, even strangers on occasion.
He was our rock, our protector, our quiet strength in the background of every moment. He taught us what it means to love without conditions, to give without keeping score, and to live with honesty and heart.
He didn't need to be the loudest person in the room. He led by example-with patience, with humility, and with a sense of humor that made even the hardest days easier. His values. His wisdom. His laughter. His kindness.
There isn't a single person who met Jerry who wasn't touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering presence. He had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued-and the lives he impacted are countless. His legacy lives on in the hearts he lifted, the advice he gave, and the love he so freely shared.
As a family, we were given a gift. Not everyone gets to have a role model like him. And that love he gave us-it doesn't disappear. It's in us now. In how we show up for others. In how we live our lives. In how we keep going, even when it's hard. We will keep his memory alive, not just in what we say, but in how we live. Because we were loved deeply, and that kind of love never leaves. His impact can be found in the lives he lifted, the laughter he shared, and the unwavering support he offered to all who knew him.
Jerry was deeply committed to physical fitness. In his earlier days he was an avid runner, competed in triathlons, and enjoyed all forms of exercise. He later became active in CrossFit where he made life long friends and continued to do competitions, a Tough Mudder and less than a year ago a Savage Race. Above all, Jerry cherished his family. When his children were younger he attended all of their events, traveling and building relationships with all the families, and always with cold Blue Mountain water on hand at any sporting event.His businesses allowed him to work closely with his boys, and gave him the ability to be actively involved in his children and grandchildren's lives. He especially loved watching his grandchildren participate in sports and excel in them.. His children and grandchildren brought him immense pride. In this life if you were lucky to know Jerry, you have been lucky enough.
Though he is no longer with us in body, Jerry's spirit lives on in the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the lives he changed. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Cindy L. Vecchio of Watertown; a daughter and son-in-law, Whitney and John Bachner of Watertown; three sons, Jerry J. Vecchio Jr. of Brownville, Nicholas D. Vecchio of Brownville, and Connor H. Vecchio of Watertown; four grandchildren, Bailey Nesbitt, Hunter Vecchio, John Bachner, and Joseph Bachner; his mother, Joan Vecchio of Watertown; two sisters and brother in law, Ruth Vecchio of Watertown and Karen (Mark) Emerson of Watertown; his father-in-law, Charlie Higgins; and four sisters-in-law and their husbands: Darcy (Donnie) Garnsey of Clayton, Sherri (Larry) Martin of Theresa, and Sally (Scott) Beeles of LaFargeville. Pam(Moe)Wheeler of Adams and a brother-in-law Gary Higgins. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs, Gio and June.
He was predeceased by his father, Bill Vecchio,his sister, Nancy L.Vecchio, who passed on April 25, 2024 and his mother-in-law Patricia Higgins.
Arrangements are with Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held 1 p.m. Monday, May 26th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. A private burial will take place for the family in Glenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association 204 Iroquois Ave W Watertown, NY 13601or the Jefferson County SPCA 25056 Water St., Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com (http://www.hartandbrucefh.com/).
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