Obituary of GERARDO MERCEDE MONTERO

Gerardo Mercede Montero, a gentleman with a sweet spirit, left this home and stepped into eternity on Sunday, January 29. He was born September 24, 1932 in Matanza, Cuba where he lived with his parents, Mario and Maria Montero, and six siblings; Xiomara, Dolce Maria, Esla, Soila, Miguel, and Rolando. His life on the family farm was peaceful and full of many happy memories. In 1959, after Fidel Castro overthrew the Baptista government life changed for his family and they the three brothers fled from the communist state. They sought refuge in Spain until they could legally enter the United States. Gerardo was proud to become an American citizen and truly appreciated the freedom and the opportunity that his new home afforded him. He was employed for a brief time at Pitney Bowes where he saved to open a small business. He and his brother, Rolando, were the proprietors of America’s Market for over a decade and later a butcher shop, and bakery. Gerardo was well loved by all who had the privilege to know him. He is survived by his wife Catherine Stramandinoli Montero and his daughters Theresa Telesco (husband Tony) and Maria Riccardelli (husband Pat). He loved his grandchildren; Anthony Adam Telesco (wife Geana), Amanda Telesco, Dante Riccardelli, Isabella Riccardelli, and baby Angelina Riccardelli who fondly knew him as Papa. He is also survived by a nephew Rolando Montero(wife Maria), and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law whom he held dear. Calling hours will be Wednesday, February 1 from 5-8pm at Lacerenza’s Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 2 at 9am at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his honor to- Parents and Friends of Lower Fairfield Regional Center (LFRC), 146 Silvermine Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850.