Gerald Matthew Ciaraldi

The family of Gerry (Gerald Matthew) Ciaraldi lovingly acknowledge the passing of their Father, Grandfather and Friend on November 22, 2017. He died peacefully at home in the care of his family only seven months after the death of his wife and sweetheart of 59 years, Jo Parkinson Ciaraldi (1941-2017). They are reunited and happy again.Gerry was born January 6, 1938, the only child of parents Emily and Guerino Ciaraldi in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He grew up in a crowded tenement building with very diverse neighbors. A child of the 1940’s, he lived through WWII and was named after his cousin (Matthew) who gave his life during WWI. He spent happy summers on the Atlantic coast near Salisbury digging for clams with his beloved grandma Filomena. His first paying job at 12 years of age was unloading paper reams from the railroad for the newspaper. He also set pins at the local bowling alley.As a young man, Gerry felt that he needed to leave home to make more of his life, so he persuaded his mother to sign the consent form necessary to join the United States Air Force at age 17. After basic training in New York, he was stationed at RAF Wethersfield, England. It was here that the happiest blessing of his life unfolded. On weekend leave, Gerry and his friends visited a dance hall in Chelmsford where he saw a beautiful blue-eyed girl that he instantly recognized as his soulmate. They were married by the Catholic Church in Chelmsford, England on April 11, 1958.In 1977, Gerry retired out of Riverside Air Force Base in California and went to work for Bourns eventually being transferred in 1984 to Logan, Utah within the company and in time went to work for Industrial Tool of Logan. Gerry made lifelong and loyal friends everywhere he went. It’s not possible to count the number of lawnmowers, power washers and power tools he gifted to families whenever he saw a need. He lived and died as a kind Christian man.They were blessed with 3 children, Cheryl (Stephen) Stetson of San Bernardino, CA, Dale (Rex) Beaver of Moreno Valley, CA and Mike (Tiffanie) Ciaraldi of Hyde Park, UT. As much as they adored their children, they were even more delighted with their 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. He left a legacy of service to his country, family and God. Condolences may sent through Cache Valley Mortuary. As per Gerry’s wishes, no formal services will be held. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a cancer charity in Jo and Gerry’s name.Special thanks to the family members, Natalie Mcrae, Arthur Taylor and his nursing staff for the loving and compassionate end of life care given.