Retired Worc Firefighter, Gerald “Jerry” Vuona, 62 of Worcester passed away with the ones he loved surrounding his bedside Saturday, February 24th 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jerry was born in Worcester, October 24th 1955 the youngest of three children of Samuel F. Vuona, Sr. and Virginia (Chilberto) Vuona. Raised in Worcester, Jerry graduated from North High School class of 1973 and attended Quinsigamond Community College. Sweethearts for five years, and on September 27th 1981, in Our Lady of Loreto Church, he married the “Love of His Life” Debora Particiauone and began the next 36 years dedicated to one another and their family. Jerry provided for his family by serving the citizens of the City of Worcester as a fire fighter for over 32 years. Appointed on September 14, 1980, he began his fire career as a member of Ladder 2, then Engine 1, at Central Division, Engine 6 at Brown Square and Franklin St. and twice on Engine 7, on Eastern Ave and Grafton St before retiring. He also enjoyed his time painting with Sam, Dan Distefano, and Steve Candela. He was an executive driver at EMC Corp for over ten years.

Jerry is survived by his love Debora; his three children, Amanda Vuona and her fiancé, Joseph Jurgiel, Ariana Vuona of Shrewsbury and Anthony Vuona of Worcester; His brother and best friend, Samuel F. “Sam” Vuona, Jr. and his wife Rose of Worcester; A sister, Linda Vuona of Rutland; a granddaughter, Anna Jurgiel (the apple of his eye); eleven nieces and nephews, twenty great nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends both in and retired from the Fire Department.

Jerry was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Millbury, the International Association of Fire Fighters Union, Local 1009, the Worcester Fire Credit Union, Worcester Fire Relief Association, and the Pope John Council K of C and the IAVC in Shrewsbury and its bocce league. In his children’s youth, Jerry was a longtime Jack Barry Little League Coach. He enjoyed bowling, drawing and an occasional round of golf. Jerry was a dedicated member of the Holmes Field gang. Most of all Jerry was dedicated to Debora, his children, granddaughter and his fire fighter brothers. These were the most important parts of his life.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Wednesday, February 28th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral celebration of life Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 10 Water Street, Millbury. (Please go directly to church). Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.