Gerard Joseph Diorio

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents William Diorio and Mary “Tedde” Diorio; and siblings William Diorio, Loranne Spray, and Linda Canella.

He will be remembered by his wife, Kathy Diorio; children Natalie (Corey) Banghart, Angela Diorio, and Anthony (Shannon) Diorio; grandchildren Isabella, Emilia, and Gianna Banghart. And many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jerry dedicated 25 years of his life to teaching and coaching high school football, mentoring generations of young athletes both on and off the field. His love for the game began at Cardinal Mooney High School and he continued to play at the University of Michigan, where he earned All-Academic Big Ten honors. His football journey later took him to Bologna, Italy to play in their American football league and even to the Detroit Lions during the players’ strike—an opportunity he jokingly referred to as being a “true opportunist.”

While football was a lifelong passion, Jerry’s greatest title was “Papa.” His children were his best friends, and his granddaughters had him completely wrapped around their fingers. He loved talking about where he was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, especially his favorite places--Mill Creek Park, and Handel’s Ice Cream. Jerry often said his best teammate in life was his wife, Kathy, and together they built a life and family with nearly 40 years of marriage.

Known for his generosity and larger-than-life personality, Jerry was strong, loud, courageous, competitive, funny, and deeply caring. He loved football, family, good food, history, politics, and cheering on Michigan football. He took pride in his Italian heritage, his famously strong calves, and always having a tan from time spent at his favorite place, Florida. Above all, Jerry was a man of faith who lived passionately, loved his people fiercely, and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Visitation with friends and relatives will be held from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A funeral Mass for Jerry will commence 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Msgr. William Duncan will be officiating. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.