Gerard A. Tirico

Gerard A. Tirico, age 66, of Kinnelon passed away suddenly yet peacefully on Friday, September 10, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Gerard was born in Passaic and raised in Little Ferry and was one of three children to Gerard and Dorothy Tirico.  While growing up in Little Ferry, Gerard attended Ridgefield Park High School, where he excelled in sports and was president of his senior class.  Gerard graduated from Ridgefield Park High School with the class of 1973. Following his high school graduation, Gerard was accepted into Seton Hall University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and later a Master’s degree in Finance.  Gerard found work quickly after earning his degrees and enjoyed a long career in accounting that spanned over forty-four years working for a variety of companies.

Gerard had an outstanding work ethic that was instilled in him when he was quite young.  As a young boy, Gerard worked with his dad who owned a food truck called “Coffee Time.”  Throughout grammar school, high school, and college, Gerard cherished working alongside his dad until he closed up shop in 1978 when Gerard got married.  
 
Gerard was only in the eighth grade when he knew he met the girl of his dreams, a foxy lady by the name of JoAnn Moylan.  On a planned school trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the town’s “Safety Patrol” squad, Gerard and JoAnn met and their friendship was the start of something very special.  They remained friends and fellow students at Ridgefield Park HS, then quickly became high school sweethearts.  Shortly after graduating from Seton Hall, Gerard and JoAnn married on June 10, 1978 at St. Margaret’s Church in Little Ferry. The newlywed couple settled down in Little Ferry where they remained for close to twenty years. During their time in Little Ferry, they welcomed the births of all seven of their children. In 1996, Gerard and his family moved to Kinnelon where they have been ever since.  
 
Gerard never lost his love for sports and was a diehard New York Yankee fan throughout his entire life, his favorite player being #7 Mickey Mantle. He treasured attending and listening to countless Yankee games with his son and daughters over the years. Gerard continued to play softball when he was older in local leagues around his community.  He also coached Softball and Lacrosse when his children were younger within the Little Ferry and Kinnelon Recreation Departments.  Another one of Gerard’s passions was spending countless hours at the movies with his kids. Moreover, to say Gerard had a sweet tooth is an understatement. Pool care became an obsession, along with what ridiculous new pool tube he could find. Landscaping was also a major pastime of Gerard’s, if you didn’t help put down the mulch, don’t come over.

Holidays, oh the holidays, some of his happiest times. Gerard looked forward to it, and his Christmas decorations were always first-class and the talk of the town. And when 4th of July made its way to the calendar, Gerard would make sure to put on a firework display that would fill the night sky with light and onlookers’ eyes with awe. But aside from all of Gerard’s talents, hobbies and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Spending time and providing for his family meant more to him than anything else in the world.  He cherished hosting family events and holidays, and he treasured his yearly family vacations which included a variety of destinations such as the Jersey Shore, Hershey Park, Disney, Mexico, and Maine (“Bah Habah”).

Gerard set the stage of the immense possibilities that exist when one reaches their maximum potential as a father. His love, his method, his laugh, and each one of his corky traits will forever be emblazoned within his children. The adoration he and his children shared for one another was unmatched and will be carried on through all of the newest Tiricos’ that meet this world. “Papa Smurf” is a legend and a role model that all his kids will strive to be. Moreover, Gerard had an innate ability to know if someone needed help and would be at your side before you even knew where to begin. A man who always knew all the right words to say but only needed to share his smile to enlighten you.

A few days before Gerard’s passing, a tragedy struck him and his family. Their hearts were broken by the passing of his beautiful daughter, Taylor J. Donnelly, on September 6, 2021. Together, they are arm in arm enjoying the most beautiful firework display in heaven.

Not only was Gerard sincerely dedicated to his family, but he was also dedicated to his community. Gerard was such a warm-hearted person making everyone always feel welcome in his home. He would drop whatever he was doing to help someone and the word “No” was never in his vocabulary.  His exceptional work ethic resonated with his family and friends with his motto always being remembered as “finish the job.”

Gerard had a wonderful and infectious sense of humor that everyone loved to be around.  He enjoyed captivating an audience and bringing smiles to their faces by telling jokes and stories.  He loved music and his favorite musical artist was Neil Young. He and his wife JoAnn treasured forty-three years of a loving and loyal marriage. Gerard was a devoted father and grandfather. He taught his grandchildren countless, valuable lessons with his actions and life lessons such as making sure the Oreo package was firmly sealed. Gerard will be sorely missed by his family and friends alike.

Gerard is survived by his wife JoAnn Tirico (nee Moylan) of Kinnelon, five daughters; Jillian Tirico and her husband Kyle Remaly, Tristin Tirico, Tamrin Serpico and her husband Michael, Jenna Nilsen and her husband Sean, and Josie Strafaci and her husband Marc, one son, Colby Tirico and his girlfriend Alyssa Natale, one son-in-law Joseph Donnelly of Kinnelon, predeceased by his daughter Taylor J. Donnelly, six grandchildren: Jackson, Brayden, Bryli, Mikayla, Blake, and Colston, one nephew/godson David Francis, one niece/goddaughter Alena Lisa, two sisters Jerilynn Sheehan and Jackie Lisa.

Gerard’s family asks that those who wish to send flowers, please consider arrangements in the colors of his beloved NY Yankees; Navy Blue and White. Also in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerard's daughter's name; Taylor J Donnelly, to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (Aneurysm Awareness), 269 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339 http://www.bafound.org