Gerardo worked for many years as a laborer at Republic Structural Steel in Cleveland. A man of faith, he was an active member of Sagrada Familia Church, where he attended services and sang in the church choir. Gerardo found great joy in spending time with family and friends, playing his guitar, and enjoying a good game of dominoes—one of his favorite pastimes, from his beloved island of Puerto Rico.
In his earlier years, Gerardo was deeply involved in community activism and was a dedicated advocate for Cleveland’s Hispanic community. Among his many accomplishments, he was a founding board member of the Spanish American Committee and one of the founders of the San Lorenzo Club, established in the early 1970s to support Puerto Rican families newly arriving in Cleveland. Gerardo also served proudly on the Puerto Rican Friendly Day Festival & Parade committee, where he was once honored as Grand Marshal.
He played a key role in bringing bilingual education to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), served on the Rainbow Coalition, and was the first president of the Bilingual Parent Union for CMSD.
Gerardo will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, his laughter, and his deep love for his family and heritage. He often spoke fondly of his dreams of returning to Puerto Rico, cherishing its traditions—especially the parrandas navideñas (Christmas caroling)—and the joy of playing guitar among friends.
Gerardo is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Maria; his children Ada Milagros (Luis), Nestor (Myrna), Gerardo Jr. (Rosemary), Magda [Jim (deceased)], Ruben, and David (deceased); and by his beloved grandchildren Angelina, Isaac, Jessica, Sarah, Alma, Nestor Jr., Judy, Diana, Lissette, Brian, Claudia, Lillian, Ruben Anthony, Kyle, and Izaac.
Gerardo’s life was one of love, service, and faith. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
The family will receive friends on October 29, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, located at 14768 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH. The funeral mass will take place at La Sagrada Familia Church, 7719 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, on October 30, 2025, starting at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Rd, Brook Park, OH.
