Gerard S. “Gerry” Alterio, Sr.
Funeral Services were held privately due to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic for Gerard S. “Gerry” Alterio, Sr., who passed away on Monday, April 20th at the Benchmark Senior Living at Woburn, following a brief illness, he was 77 years old.
Gerard, also known as Gerry, was born in Winthrop but raised & educated in Everett. He was an alumnus of Everett High School, Class of 1961. Gerard served in the United States Army National Guard. When he was discharged from the military, he became a millwright for Local Union # 1121, primarily for G.H. Harnun for 35 years. Gerry was married in 1966, to his love Evelyn A. Sabbagh. The couple lived in Everett for many years where they began their family and later moved to Stoneham for a period, then settled in Wakefield. When Gerry retried as a millwright, he later took a position as a custodian with the Wakefield Public Schools, he worked there for 10 years. Gerry was always doing something, he never stayed idle. He loved working and maintaining his home. He often spent many days outdoors enjoying the good weather & working in the garden & yard. He was an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Wakefield lodge of Elks # 1276. Gerry stayed very active with the Elks and participated in many events & fundraisers throughout the years. He was always on a tireless effort to help kids to stay out of trouble and to “Say no to drugs”. In an interview from January 2011, a student had interviewed Gerard for her class project. She asked Gerard questions about his life, when he was a kid, life now, things he would like to do and how he wanted to be remembered. The young student was very impressed how he was a humble man that enjoyed the simple things in life. He treated people fairly and always wanted kids to make good choices and to stay clean! He lived his life with a certain set of principles & values, he not only imposed them to his children, but to all children that he would talk to. He modestly told the girl, that we would like to be remembered as being a good person that he was. Anyone who knew him was blessed for having the genuine friendship of Gerrard’s.
He is the devoted & beloved husband of 40 years to the late Evelyn A. (Sabbagh) Alterio. Loving & proud father of Gerard S. Alterio, Jr of Wakefield, Paul F. Alterio & wife Toni of Malden & Lauren M. Alterio of Saugus. Cherished grandfather of Gregory G. Alterio, Steven E. Alterio, Eric D. Alterio, all of Wakefield & Anthony J. Alterio of Malden. Adored great grandfather of 4 great grandchildren. Dear brother of the late Pasquale & Roseanne Alterio. Special brother in law of Harriet J. Hamhoomis of Melrose & the late Dorothy DeLuca. He is also lovingly survived by Kathy Malonson of Saugus & many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews.
Dear Lauren and family,
I was so sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was such a sweet guy. I had the honor of knowing him in his final years. Always able to get a smile out of him with a pastry or two. Your in my prayers during this difficult time. May he Rest in Peace and guide you from above.
To the Alterio Family,
My dear Elk Brother has sailed to another shore. May he Rest In Peace. It was truly an honor to have interacted with Gerry. I hope that you can have solace in knowing that he is with God and is looking down upon us all.
Joe Bellavia