Jerry Anthony Cesario

Jerry Anthony Cesario
July 16, 1957 - March 13, 2022
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To put such a big personality into a few short paragraphs is quite the challenge. Sixty four years is a short time on this Earth, but Jerry lived a life so full that it was more like a hundred years on Earth. He literally stopped to smell the roses, absorbing all of God's creation. Ever dog got a pet, every child got a joke, every friend got a hug, and every encounter got warmth. He was born to Jerry Cesario Senior and Marie Laconca-Cesario on July 16th,1957. He was raised in New York with his two siblings Pasqual, and Sandra. He spoke recently of learning how to drive with "Uncle Pat", they broke into a junk yard and
drove the cars around until they felt comfortable driving! "Aunt Sandy", was his best friend, talking to her weekly about everything and anything. They never stopped being close, he always watched out for her like a true older brother. His life as a young child was not easy. He truly beat the odds and fought for everything he had. It is what made him so strong, and so grateful for the life he created for himself. He is the greatest example of overcoming obstacles, and living proof of God's grace and love.
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He met Angela Licari in Junior High. They "dated" in High School, and got married at age 19. This will be his forever love, and soulmate. They decided to move across country to California to be closer to family. He came to California with a purpose of becoming close to his Father and siblings: Tony, Jerry, Dolly, Jimmy, Peter, Robert, Danelle, and Dean. During this time he began work as a painter with his brothers, and continued that profession for several years. Many weekends consisted of family get togethers, full of Sunday Supper (with grandpa's gravy on grandma's gnocchi, finished with grandpas famous cheesecake), and lots of singing and home-video making.
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He had four children with Angela (his greatest accomplishment in life). Lisa, born in 1979, Gina, born in 1984, Francesca, born in 1985, and Michael, born in 1989. He was dedicated to his family, finding joy in just being around them and of course sharing amazing Italian meals made by Angela. He helped to create and build the family business (Dominic's Ristorante Italiano), working weekdays as a contractor, and weekends as a pizza maker. Anyone who knows Jerry, knows that he is a perfectionist. If you needed your house painted, he would do it to perfection (no need for blue painters tape, because he had the steadiest hand), if you wanted a pepperoni pizza, you better believe the crust was the same thickness all the way through with exactly the same amount of pepperoni per slice! That was Jerry! Also, have we talked about the food-lover he was? Is there space for that? He lived each day like it was his last, enjoying life including his favorite meals (consisting of carbs and sweets)! Later in life Jerry became a "born again Christian'. Leading by example, he devoted his life to Jesus. He built a beautiful church family, and committed his life to structure, volunteer work as well as quality time with family. Any free chance he had, he gave back. He was extremely talented and gifted with expertise among many trades. He could fix your car, lay your tile, build a house, do electrical, basically anything you could possibly need help with, or a second opinion on, he was your guy. He was the most humble man, never taking credit, never bragging about himself or his innate talent. If he knew he could help, he would. He was also gifted in compassion, and warmth. His heart beat for the Lord and his heart filled with love for his family.
He loved his children very much and was very vocal about it. He worked a full-time job, that was labor intensive that had him driving very far, yet he managed to make phone calls while sitting on the freeway. Calls just to say "hi, how are you and what's going on? " He would listen, always guiding in the direction of forgiveness, humility, and acceptance. He always answered his phone, even to just say "I have to call you back", never leaving an opportunity to not connect.
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On his off time, He loved spending time with his grandkids as well, Nathaniel, Joshua, Natalia, Angelina, Isaac, Noah and Rudy. He would drive to Lisa's bearing enough Entenmann's Donuts for an army. He was the ultimate "Nonno", with all the goodies, all the hugs, and all the knucklehead sandwiches to drive a little one nuts! He walked Gina's dog often after his long grueling days, just to help her with her work load; leaving treats for her and Coco on the kitchen table. Jerry would drive to Francesca's home to pick her and Natalia up for lunch, or spend a day at the park. Followed by a long drive to Michael's, to help him fix up his house or install a new appliance. He would assist on many carpentry jobs with Michael, as they debated the best way and the most perfect way to get the job done. Never forgetting treats for their dogs as well. These moments are what Jerry lived for! Many Friday nights, over the years, he would go to Dominic's and sit at the wine bar and watch all his children run around the restaurant working. Many times he did not eat or want anything but to just watch us and be in our presence. He adored his family. He was never a proud man, but he could finally feel proud of the children he created, and he lived for these moments.
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Jerry's siblings and friends would also agree that he was so reliable and helpful. He only wanted to give back, without expecting anything in return. He made his
purpose in life to be a servant to others. He was the epitome of selflessness. If he could just sit in a quiet room with you, he would. Jerry left you with a feeling of
contentment. He was a gentle soul that would give the best hugs, side-face kisses, positive advice, and would accept anyone for who they are. He would say, "Jesus loves you". "It's going to be okay". He had such a way with comfort; a gift from the Lord, that he fully embraced in his later years. Jerry left behind such beautiful traits to each of his kids. He was hilarious, a jokester, sarcastic, honest (maybe too honest?), loyal, committed, friendly, a social butterfly (made friends with strangers everywhere he went), loving, caring, thoughtful (always bearing random gifts), selfless, gifted, smart, humble, intelligent, hard working, and comforting. He was a beautiful soul and all who knew him are deeply saddened by the void they are now experiencing. It's hard to say good bye to someone so beloved and so connected to many. It's hard to say good bye to the rock, the anchor, the spiritual example of strength. It's hard to say good bye to the laughter, the jokes, the selflessness. But it's not good bye, it's "I'll see you later, until we meet again in God's ultimate heaven". There will never be closure, for he will be so missed, but he left with us the most amazing memories we can keep for our lifetime. He will always be with us, someone that special never leaves you, but lives forever in you.