Name: Service for Gerald "Jerry" Paparella Jr.
Start: 2021-12-20T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton

Gerald "Jerry" Paparella Jr., 62, of Bradenton, Florida, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 7, 2021.

Jerry, as his family and friends knew him, was born in Peckville, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 3, 1959. Jerry graduated from Valley View High School in 1978 and later attended and played baseball at the University of Michigan. He married his wife, Laurie, in 1994, and had two children, Jerad (26) and Derek (25).

Jerry was well known and respected in the Scranton area and in the Manatee County, Florida community, where he has lived and raised his family the past 28 years, particularly for his contributions and influence as a youth baseball coach in Bradenton, coaching at Manatee West Little League, several travel organizations and Bayshore High School. He was an advocate for the youth and was passionate about helping the young, counseling many in need. He was an avid fan of music and sports and loved animals, especially his dog Addy. He was most passionate about and inspired by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife and children; his stepdaughter, Holly; his father, Gerald Sr.; his mother, Elizabeth; his brother, Raymond; his nephew, Avery; numerous cousins and other family members.

Jerry touched the lives of many and lived a life full of amazing experiences, beloved by all who knew him. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

An additional memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Peckville, Pennsylvania in March.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Scranton Times on Dec. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Paparella

Sponsored by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton 43rd St. Chapel.

14 Entries

Debbie rotell

December 25, 2021

Laurie and family So sorry for your loss of Jerry you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Tony and Debbie Rotell

Joanne Elizabeth Schroeder

December 20, 2021

Our condolences to the Paparella family. We have so many wonderful memories of Jerry on and off the ball field. His devotion to his family was always apparent. He was a coach, mentor, and father figure to all his ball players, my son , Daniel, would often say, "Jerry is a like a father to me", which was a blessing to me. Jerry was respected, loved, and a trusted friend. Rest in peace, Jerry. Your memory will carry on...

Avery Paparella

December 20, 2021

Rest in Peace to Uncle Jerry. He was always joyful and enthused with sports. Sports was a big part of his life, and plays a big part in the family. I remember going out to the field many times with many family members, to hit batting practice. Feels like we could be out there for hours without time passing. As a family, we gather for special occasions (holidays, or sometimes at a random time). This is always a fun time for the family, as my grandmother always cooks the best food and makes enough to feed a whole village. Our whole family, especially My father, grandfather, and Jerry, would always be debating about sports or politics, which cracks me up. With that being said, I have many memories with Uncle Jerry leading back to when I was very young. I know he is with God watching over us, and watching Michigan in the playoffs this year.

Lynn Ceccarelli

December 20, 2021

The shock and deep sorrow of losing Jerry is beyond painful. Big Jerry, Betty, Ray , Laurie Jerad, Derek and Avery, the heavy grief is felt right through my heart. I am praying for you, Jerry’s family to be confronted by God. I know Jerry has told me numerous times of his strong faith in the Lord and he explained how certain he was that we are all going to a better place.
Jerry, is a master communicator, friends in every walk of life. He is an open person who sees the good in everyone. Kind, loyal and hysterically funny. Bright with the ability to converse about anything. Although I hadn’t seen Jerry since 1995, I looked forward to conversations. He was 1 of the first to call me when I was diagnosed with an illness in 2017. After medical facts, Jerry reassured me that he’d pray for me and that I need not be afraid as the Lord is in charge.
When the conversation was lighter, we trypically would speak at the same time trying to get a word in. The hilarious stuff, the pets we had and a certain large reptile that my son’s friend left at his apartment, my son calling me to get the reptile because my son was at the shore and his friend hadn’t returned for the 9’ reptile. I remember Jerry laughing when I described the creature with it’s huge head. My son telling me that reptile needed to be fed. I couldn’t find the huge reptile because it got out of terrarium and was hiding. I was riled up as I told Jerry the story and he couldn’t help laughing uncontrollably. Upon returning the creature was wound around a radiator. I was appalled and am not in business of reptile removal. Jerry was picturing sending his Mom on such a mission and we laughed about it until we were choking.
Those calls were full of funny stuff and I am still struggling with the fact that Jerry was called by God and I won’t hear his voice or be able to talk to him. The Paparella and Ruby families are precious to me. Jerry has been a constant for so long, I feel lost and disbelief.
Most certainly there was no one like him and I will miss my friend all of the days of my life. I know God is in charge and we will see each other again. This is a monumental loss. I don’t know how everyone will be able to live with it.
Jerry, may you rest in God’s arms until I see you again. I am very lucky to have had the gift of your friendship. I continue to pray for the family. All of my Love and deepest condolences, Lynn Ceccarelli
Until we meet again.

Gary Ceccarelli former High School Baseball Coach

December 18, 2021

My heartfelt sympathy to the Paparella family. No words can express my sadness. I thought I would share one of my unforgettable memories. It was the 1978 State Championship game. Having exhausted our pitchers I needed someone with a strong arm who could carry us through . . . Jerry. Jerry was our second baseman not a pitcher. To the amazement of our fans and opponent he pitched 4 and 2/3 innings with a bevy of sharp curve balls. We lost the game 7-5 but created a memory still talked about. Jerry was a strong athlete with a personality to match. It was a pleasure to be a small part of his life. Thanks for the memories. Rest In Peace.

Tony Larioni

December 18, 2021

My deepest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Papparella and Ray. To Laurie and the children as well. RIP my good friend. I am certain you are in a better place. I love you Jerry. You will never be forgotten...

Mary Ann Grzywacz Wasilnak

December 17, 2021

Laurie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Will keep you in our prayers.

Louis Rapoch

December 17, 2021

Deepest Condolences to his family. Loved his sports banter on facebook...

Johnny "Jake" Holeva

December 17, 2021

Rest easy my long-time friend and classmate. The memories growing up in Peckville will always bring a smile to my heart. To Mr. & Mrs. Pap, Ray, Laurie, Jerad, Derek, may the Lord ease your sorrow in the coming days and in the knowledge of just how much Jerry was liked by so many. God Bless !

Susie Bogutski

December 16, 2021

So Sorry for your Loss, Remembering all our school days at Lincoln School through high school. He was such a good guy! God Bless!

Jack Donson

December 16, 2021

Prayers for your family! Pap was one of a kind and will miss the concert stories and the many memories in the VV locker room , pre-game listening to Zepplin and Ram Jam ( Black Betty)! See you on the other side...

Joseph Canevari And Family

December 15, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Rest In Peace My Friend.

Karyn Dennis-Shade

December 15, 2021

To Jerry's entire family...so sorry for your loss. He was always a good guy and so very proud of his boys. I'll miss his political 'debates' on social media. Rest peacefully Jerry

ROGER MARSDEN & FAMILY

December 15, 2021

So sorry to hear of the passing of our dear friend and "coach" Jerry. Jerry was such a wonderful person who had a way with the kids that a lot of other coaches don't. Our son, Christian learned a lot from him and had a great time playing ball land hanging out with Jared and Derek. Laurie and family, there are no words to convey the sorrow we feel for your loss. Jerry was one of a kind and a great friend to Roger and our whole family. May you find peace in the memories you made and hold dear as a family. Please let his mom and dad know how truly sorry we are as well. May he RIP with all the Baseball greats. His loss is a loss for so many and the Community as well.

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