Jerry Conforti

Jerry G. Conforti, age 88, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Jerry was born and raised in Newark, NJ, the second of Gennaro and Virginia Conforti’s five children. Jerry was attending Central High School in Newark when, in the fall of 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. and New Jersey National Guard. His military aspirations continued in February, 1952 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Unfortunately, soon after, a physical impairment was discovered, and so an anticipated four year commitment was cut short in the fall of 1952. Following his service to his country, Jerry’s admiration for the military and deep pride in America never stopped and later, he became involved with the American Legion Organization in Totowa.  

Jerry returned home from service and immediately started his own gas station business in his hometown of Newark. From there, he went into his own trucking business. For many years he drove his tractor trailer over the road on long distance hauls, for Consolidated Freightways until the company went out of business in 2002. Not ready to retire yet, he drove for a short time for Solomone Brothers of Wayne until some health issues called for retirement in 2004.

Jerry found true love with his first wife Yolanda. Together, they were blessed with four children – two daughters and two sons and they lived as one happy family in Nutley. Jerry found love again, this time to Jacqueline Breen. They married on Tuesday, December 10, 1985 and were presently enjoying their thirty-fifth year in a loving and devoted marriage, residing these many years in Wayne.

Jerry was a long-time faithful member of the Oakland Elks Lodge 2167. Promoting the tenants of brotherly love, charity, justice, and fidelity, the Elks lodge was always such an enjoyable part of Jerry’s life. He loved coming out on Friday nights to play cards with the guys and he was always willing to help out with the annual charity fundraisers in support of Camp Moore in Haskell and the Christmas in July celebration for the handicapped children.

At home, Jerry loved passing a Sunday afternoon watching his beloved New York Giants play football on television. When the weather turned warmer, Jerry turned his sites toward the beach. He and Jackie loved to head down the Jersey shore to Wildwood every year with his two sisters Virginia and Tessy and once, he and Jackie took a vacation to Disney World.  

Jerry was the beloved husband of Jacqueline (nee Breen), blessed in marriage for over 34 years. He was the loving father of: Carmine Conforti of Belleville, Linda Tobin of Clifton, Patricia Adamek of Moonachie, and Jerry and wife Myia Conforti of Bloomfield; loving step-father of: the late James Fierro (2015) and his wife Olga of Montville, and William Fiero of Ramsey; cherished grandfather of: Courtney, Ashley, John, Jessica, and Amanda, and cherished step-grandfather of: Jasmine, Jennifer, and James; adoring great-grandfather of Derek and Adriana; and dear brother of Virginia DeRogatis of Barnegat, Mario Conforti of Roselle, Tessy Grapenthin of Pennington, Perry Conforti of Toms River, and the late Carmine Conforti.