Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" DePace

Gerald “Jerry” DePace passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025, after long battles with multiple illnesses, which he fought with strength and dignity. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul DePace and Marianna DePace (née Vigorito), and by his brother Joseph. He was a beloved brother to Antoinette Iadevaio (Tony), Julia (wife of Joseph), Paul (Barbara), and Lucille Ward (Bill); a cherished uncle to his 15 nieces and nephews and their families; and adored by his friend, Anna Ingenito. He is also survived by his former wife, Dorothy (aka Dottie).

Born and raised in Brooklyn, where Jerry loved going to the beach at Coney Island with family and friends, watching boxing and westerns, and strumming the guitar. He attended Brooklyn College, earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 1965, and was later admitted to the New York State Bar in 1966. His fandom for St. John’s never wavered, and he always took the time to see how his team was doing.

Jerry and his family moved to Valley Stream, and he quickly became involved in community and civic affairs, eventually being appointed Associate Judge for the Village. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Italian-American Civic Association. During his career, he worked for many different companies, like Cigna and Allstate, served as a consultant, and was a trial attorney.

Jerry stayed in New York, where family was at the heart of his life. He often spoke about the importance of family, and though he had no children of his own, he found great joy in the company of his nieces and nephews and took pride in their successes. He was a champion of education and believed strongly in the value of higher learning. Throughout it all, he was known for his kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. He was always a steady support to his family and friends and would go out of his way to help them, whether it was opening his home or lending his car to anyone needing it.

Besides his family, Jerry’s next love was horses, sparked by those classic western films he watched as a child. He owned horses, among which were Black Seeker, Points and Plug, and Power Man, and found true happiness watching them compete and then celebrating in the winner’s circle. He shared this love with many family and friends who have memories of his great passion. Jerry also enjoyed watching harness racing and was a member of the Harness Racing Museum in Goshen, NY.

Jerry had a love for old movies and TV shows, like The Three Stooges and The Honeymooners, which entertained his night owl tendencies. He was also practical in nature and never came for a visit or family gathering empty-handed because you never knew when someone might need a folding chair, a cheese wheel, or an umbrella. Though proudly Italian, he was famous for his “Irish exits” from family gatherings, quietly slipping away without goodbyes, a charming quirk that endeared him to those who loved him.

Jerry’s actions were always from the heart. His family will always remember his immense generosity and his sense of pride as he watched his family do well. Their success was his success, and their happiness was his happiness. His absence in the lives of his family and friends will forever leave a hole in their hearts.