In Memoriam: Gerald DeLeo, 63

Gerald Joseph DeLeo, 63, of Bethel, CT, passed away Friday, January 25, 2013, with his loved ones by his side. He was the husband of Linda A. (Barsi) DeLeo. His life ended the way it was lived, with dignity, thoughtfulness and surrounded by love.

Jerry was born June 8, 1949 in the Bronx, son of the late Ben and Tess (Barile) DeLeo. He received his undergraduate degree from Baruch College in New York City and his MBA from University of Bridgeport. A longtime employee with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, later Pfizer, Inc., he retired in November of 2012 as Manager of Biotech Financial Operations. Jerry's warm smile, good humor and caring spirit, touched every heart he came in contact with.

Besides his wife of 41 years, Jerry is survived by his daughters Laura DeLeo Dobrindt and Jessie Watson, sons-in-law Jason Dobrindt and Bryan Watson, a brother Richard DeLeo, sister in-law Linda DeLeo. Survivors also include his aunt and uncle, Anne and Bill Fidanza, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and the most recent light of his life, granddaughter Quinn DeLeo Watson. While his life ended much too soon, he enriched the lives of countless others and in doing so he left the world a better place than he found it. Jerry lived his life much like a shooting star; while you only see them for a brief moment, you will remember that moment forever.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday at 11am at St. Mary's Church, Bethel. Interment will be the convenience of the family. Contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714.