Obituary of Joseph C. Gero, Sr.

Joseph C. Gero, Sr., a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023. He was 86.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Frances Gero (née Iadarola); his cherished sons Joseph Gero, Jr. (Nancy Fiorelli) and Patrick Gero (Patricia); his brothers Bartholomew Gero, Martin Gero, Michael Gero, and Anthony Orlando (Patricia); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jerome Gero and Rocco W. Gero, Jr.; and his sister Nicholina L. Keefe.

Joseph was born in Summit on July 15, 1936 to the late Rocco and Lucy Gero (née Antonaccio). After high school, he enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving in the 11^th Airborne Division.

Joseph was an Auxiliary Patrolman in Madison, and part of the Special Police Auxiliary Reserve in Chatham Township. He was an avid shooter and part of the Florham Park Pistol and Gun Club. He also participated in pistol and shotgun competitions, and achieved the title of distinguished high master in the 1981 Governor’s 20. Joseph loved fishing in Alaska and the Jersey Shore, and he had his own boat.

Joseph married the love of his life, Frances Gero in 1958. The couple had known each other almost their entire lives, having both grown up in Madison and playing together as children. Joseph owned his own tile company, J.C. Gero Tile Construction in Madison, which he proudly passed down to his son. Not only was he a great hunter and sportsman, but he was an amazing husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

A Memorial Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Friday, January 13, 2023, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Memorial Gathering for Joseph prior to the Mass from 9:30AM to 10:00AM in the front vestibule of the church. Those who wish may attend virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org.

Joseph’s interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Madison Ambulance Corps, 29 Prospect St, Madison, NJ 07940.