Albert 'Buff' J. Gerardo

Albert “Buff” J. Gerardo, age 79, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011, at his residence. Al was born in Racine, June 7, 1932, son of the late Catarino and Juanita (Nee: Rodriguez) Gerardo.

Al graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1950.” During the Korean Conflict he served in the United States Army and was the proud recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor for his heroics on Porkchop Hill. On December 22, 1956, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Union Grove, he was united in marriage to JoNelle J. Navin. Al was employed with Pendleton Oldsmobile, later Gentile Oldsmobile for thirty-three years. He then worked with Careers for seven years, and was last working with the Milwaukee Metro Automobile Auction for the past twelve years. A good athlete, he enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, softball and coaching his children’s teams at St. John Nepomuk Catholic School and with Special Olympics. He was a member of the Catholic Men’s Association and volunteered with ARC. Above all he was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-five years, JoNelle; his children, Jean (Edward) Coenraad of Appleton, Vicki (Gene) Signorin of Raymond, Richie Gerardo of Racine, Jeri (Mark) Cooper of Tomahawk, Jeff (Laurie) Gerardo of Kalamazoo, MI; his grandchildren, Jacob and Lucas Coenraad, Luci (Dan) Schuler, Craig and Angela Signorin, G. Connor Cooper; sisters and brothers, Beverly “Mabel” Spero, Catherine Jaster, Richard (Rose) Gerardo, Margaret (David) Ramos, John Gerardo (Tom Macjer), Emma (Tony) Klein; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine other brothers and sisters.

Funeral services with Full Military Honors will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Jan Ruidl officiating. Private interment will be held at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Union Grove. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Memorials to the family or to Racine Special Olympics have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888