Jerry S. DeJulia

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerry DeJulia, 90, beloved husband of the late Joan Marie (Kurjiaka) DeJulia and loving father of Geraldine DeJulia, Walter DeJulia (Sue), Theresa Forsberg (Eric).

Jerry was born as the lone son of the late William Pasquale and Lena Giordono DeJulia of South Street in Danbury, CT. He is preceded in death by his three sisters, Josephine Paolucci, Rosaline Field, and Anna Williams.

Jerry served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Wisconsin during the Korean War from 1952-1956. He met Joan in 1957 and married her a few months later on September 14, 1957.

Jerry was also a cherished grandfather to Laura DeJulia (Ki), Heather Clark (Matt), Katie Book, Eric Forsberg, Taylor DeJulia, and Tori DeJulia as well as a loving great-grandfather to Dakota and Remi.

Jerry, a legend in Danbury, spent a great portion of his life at Rogers Park and other fields in the greater Danbury area as a softball player, manager, umpire, and administrator. Jerry's dedication to softball was evident in the countless memories and stories he shared, showcasing his deep love and commitment to the sport. His unwavering passion for softball was reflected in the strong friendships he formed through the game. Through the years, Jerry organized several leagues and held charity tournaments for the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Danbury Little League, and the Easter Seals. For 17 years, he ran the Danbury Labor Day Tournament, which at its peak featured 64 teams. Jerry received many prestigious honors and awards including but not limited to honors from the Connecticut Sports Writers, Old Timers Athletic Association, and the Bernie Iassogna Hall of Honor Award for a Lifetime of Service in 2018. He was inducted into the USA Softball of Connecticut Slow Pitch Hall of Fame in 2018.

In addition to softball, Jerry had a variety of other passions including fishing, pranking, family vacations, playing cards, lawn bowling, playing pool, singing, dancing, Halloween, and Christmas.

Christmas was his favorite holiday, where he spent 58 years playing Santa. Santa Claus was not just a role for Jerry, it was a cherished tradition that he looked forward to every single year. Bringing magic and joy to all the kids on Christmas Eve was a highlight of his life and brought him immense happiness.

Jerry will be remembered as the best dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa always showering his family with love and laughter. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace, Jerry, knowing that you were truly loved and adored by all who had the privilege of knowing you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. Marguerite Church, Brookfield, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.

Please omit flowers, the family welcomes contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 or Dream Come True of Western Connecticut, 26 Kenosia Ave, Danbury, CT 06810.