Samuel Leon Gerace

Samuel Leon Gerace, Sr., of Raleigh, died at his home on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Sam was born on July 15, 1932 in Syracuse, NY to Leon J. Gerace and Florence Passarello. He spent his childhood in Syracuse and Wildwood, NJ. He was in the air force during the Korean War and was stationed in Louisiana. While attending LSU on the GI bill, he met his wife, Mary Docia Porter, to whom he was married for 59 years until her death in 2013. His job as an electrical engineer and management took him from the east coast to the west coast, supported faithfully by his wife, the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. He was proud to be a licensed engineer for almost 60 years. He and Mary retired to NC in 1994 to be closer to their children. His family would like to thank Transitions Lifecare for their time and compassionate care during his last few weeks, especially Heather. He is also predeceased by his son, Samuel Leon Gerace, Jr. of Johnson City, TN. Sam is survived by his daughter, Kari Watson and her husband, Bob of Fuquay-Varina, NC; Pamarah Gerace, of Raleigh, NC; his son, John Porter Gerace and his wife Sue of Anderson, SC; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorials may sent to Shepherds Theological Seminary, 6051 Tryon Road, Cary, NC 27518 and Transition LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.