Obituary of Philip L. Gerardi

Philip L. Gerardi of the Town of Poughkeepsie entered into rest Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family. He was 85. Son of the late James and Angelina Rizzo Gerardi, he was born on September 17, 1931 in Brooklyn. He married Martha Barbera on September 23, 1951 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Mrs. Gerardi preceded him in death, passing on September 20, 2003. Mr. Gerardi served his country in the United States Army from 1953 until he was honorably discharged in 1961. He went on to join the Tile Layers Local #52, where he was a longtime member, and worked throughout New York City and Long Island until his retirement. In his spare time he was an active member of the Town of Poughkeepsie Senior Center, where he enjoyed his Monday card games and his Friday pool games, as well as time spent with his friend, Rose Marie. Phil loved casinos, trips to OTB and horseracing; he knew the horses well. He was also a member of St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls. Survivors include his son, Peter A. Gerardi and his wife, Lillian of Poughkeepsie; his daughter, Eva Sanzo and her husband, Frank of Wappingers Falls; brother, Stephen Gerardi and his wife, Lillian of Islandia; sister, Jean Morsellino and her husband, Lenny of Glendale; grandchildren, Tracy Galassi (Lance), Nico Gerardi, Carly Gerardi, Frank Lampedusa, Philip Sanzo, Frank Sanzo and Nicole Amoresano (Mike); and great-grandchildren, Gianna, Sophia, Enzo, Lilyana and Emilia. In addition to his wife, Martha, he was predeceased by his brothers, Sammy, Frank and Joseph Gerardi. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 and Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Phil's name to Hospice of Dutchess County, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.