Gerald John Vicento

Gerald John Vicento, “Jerry” passed peacefully into the presence of our Lord on March 31, 2019, in Missouri City, Texas at the age of 81. Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Norita Ruth, “Rita”; his parents John and Florence Vicento of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and granddaughter, Brittni Vicento.

Jerry is survived by his children, Jon Michael Vicento of Houston, Texas; Mark Allen Vicento of New Berlin, Texas; Kimberly Dawn Wise and husband Barin of Missouri City, Texas; and Shannon Marie Yaege and husband David of Houston Texas; grandchildren, Jared Vicento; Travis Wise; Ashley Bruce and husband Steven; Tyler Wise; Brooke Vicento; Madison Yaege; Kyle Yaege; and Morgan Yaege; a sister, Janice Ross and husband John of Minneapolis, Minnesota; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was born on January 15, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to John and Florence Vicento. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1956. He married Rita, his high school sweetheart, on June 7, 1958. They resided in Minneapolis and St. Cloud Minnesota, before relocating to Springfield, Illinois. In 1971, the family was transferred to Houston, Texas, where they have remained.

Jerry worked for Conoco Phillips in Houston, Texas, until retiring in 1985. Jerry and Rita then followed their dream and opened JR’s Hobby Depot. Jerry was accomplished at repairing and restoring toy trains, and became one of the few Certified Lionel Repair Stations in Houston, Texas.

Jerry was a dedicated husband and father who was passionate about his wife, children, grandchildren and his love for trains. His children remember him as a loving and kind father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Jerry was an active and devoted member of the Train Collector’s Association (TCA), and Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.

A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer. The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer, with interment, and a reception to follow. Pastor Jerry McNamara will officiate the ceremony.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry’s life. The family would like to thank his caregivers: Dr. David Auer; Dr. Neil Strickman; Dr. Pooja Nowlakha; and the staff of Methodist West Katy, and A*MED Community Hospice for their care and commitment to their Father.