Obituaries 11-23-2017

Jerome Edward DeSisto

Loved his family, to laugh, to paint, and loved Winthrop

Jerome Edward DiStefano of Winthrop died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Born in Boston, he was one of four children born to the late Joseph and Virginia DiStefano. He was a graduate of Winthrop High School, Class of 1958. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly thereafter where he specialized in engineering and electronics. He spent many years in field service positions until his retirement in 2001.

Jerry loved growing up in Winthrop and had many fond memories of the friendships he forged during his years by the sea wall, and with his siblings, Ann, Mary, and Bob. In high school, he was active in both athletics and theater. After school, his time was spent in the service, and some European travel, then he met his wife, Donna. They settled in Townsend, MA in 1980 and spent three happy decades there with their three children Lisa, Jeremy, and Joseph. During these years, Jerry could be found working on projects outdoors, taking his kids to Little League games, and explaining to anyone who would listen why he “had a feeling” about the Red Sox or Patriots this season.

Jerry loved to make people laugh, often using his humor and self-deprecating style to spice up any mundane moment. Later in life, Jerry taught himself to paint, and in typical fashion, became completely consumed.

When Jerry and Donna moved back to Winthrop in 2011, his oil paintings were the perfect way to connect back to the fond memories he had growing up in Winthrop, retelling stories through the canvas. The only thing that he was more passionate about than painting was his family and spending time with his five grandchildren. He was “Nano” to: Hannah, William, Ryan, Nina, and Will.

In addition to his wife Donna and their three children and spouses, Lisa and Anthony Depew of Ashburn, Va., Jeremy DiStefano of Hamilton and Joseph DiStefano of Boston, he leaves behind three siblings and their spouses, Ann and Frank Ferrara of Winthrop, Mary DeVito and the late, Robert DeVito of Canoga Park, Calif. and Robert and Barbara DiStefano of Bonita Springs, Fla., many nieces, nephews, cousins, and, of course, his five grandchildren that he loved so dearly.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Saturday, Nov. 18 followed by a Funeral Mass in the Holy Rosary Church, Point Shirley, Winthrop. Committal was private.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research and American Legion Post #146, 92 Johnson Ave, Winthrop, MA 02152 c/o Richard Honan Care Packages. To sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.