Gerald “Jerry” Francis Caliendo, 63, of Houston, TX, passed from this life to the eternal at his home on March 11, 2024. Jerry is survived by his companion of 25 years, Frazier Hardy, his brother, Mitch Caliendo, his sister, Tonya Caliendo, his nieces Mary Varner and Stephanie Santoro and his sister-in-law Ava Caliendo. He was preceded in death by his father, Saverio F. Caliendo, his mother, Vivan Elouise Caliendo, and his loving brother Saverio “Sammy” Caliendo. There are countless cousins, family, and friends, too many to name but all dearly loved.
Jerry was a 43-year JPMorgan Chase bank employee, formally Texas Commerce Bank. He worked his way up from a teller to a banker, assistant branch manager, corporate oil and gas banker, just to name a few of the titles he held. He shared a sweet connection with so many he worked with throughout the years. Jerry also owned his own floral business for 3 years, Fiore di vita (Flowers of life). The hardest part of that business for him was managing the expectations of his brides.
Jerry was a soloist at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Chamber Music Society for well over 30 years. He was a member of the Houston Grand Opera Chorus for 15 years and was also a member of The Houston Chamber Choir for many years. Jerry also had the opportunity to be in a commercial for Saturn automobiles, where he wore the famous clown costume from the character Cani in Ruggero, Leoncavallo’s opera Pagliacci.
Jerry’s special love of music and flowers extended to all those in his life. He loved to travel, entertain, and tell stories. He had an uncanny ability to connect with all those who came into his life in a deep and meaningful way and his love and laughter were infectious. Jerry truly cherished people, all people, and they loved him in return.
Family, friends and all who were touched by Jerry’s life are invited to his Celebration of Life service on March 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM which will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. A lunch reception will be held immediately following the service in Fondren Hall of the Jones Building of St. Paul’s.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to The Anderson Music Scholarship would be appreciated. For more information, contact the Foundation at (713) 528- 0527 or [email protected]
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