Joseph Cerione

Joseph (Jay) J. Cerione, 71 years old, of Cutler Bay, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024. Jay was born on July 11, 1952, to parents Rita Reuben and Frank Cerione in Vineland, New Jersey.  His family moved to Miami Shores in 1962, where Jay attended North Miami High School.  He enjoyed surfing with his friends and working at the Food Fair Grocery Store.  Jay married in 1974 to Vivian Lopez and together they had four sons: Joseph, Christopher, David, and Nicholas.  

Jay worked in Management at Food Fair, Royal Cup, and Entenmann's until he found his calling in the Air Conditioning business where he later found his passion for teaching.  He worked at Trinity Air and Siemens before graduating from the Ann Arbor, MI, United Association Instructor Training Program and then became a full-time Instructor at the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Pipefitting Education Center.  Jay loved teaching, challenging, and guiding his students through their five-year program to graduation.  Jay was a proud Union Member for 29 years and served on both the Finance Committee and the Executive Board for Local Union 725.   

Jay was survived by his partner of 23 years, Kris Gruetzmacher, his four sons and daughters-in-law, and his eight grandchildren, Bella, Julia, Richie, Chloe, Camilla, Christopher, Lilian, and Luca. His sister Carol, sister-in-law Missy and brother Frank, and six nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his Parents, Grandson Dylan, Brother Danny, and Stepmother Anne.

Jay loved fishing, golfing, Italian and Thai food, and the beach.  He was a devoted and loving partner, father, pet parent, and friend. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.