Geronimo O Murgado

Geronimo Orlando Murgado, “Papa” to his granddaughters, was called home to his Heavenly Father, suddenly and unexpectedly, on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, following a short hospitalization. Although hospital-imposed restrictions sadly kept us from being there with him in illness, we are comforted knowing that he was accompanied in death by a Roman Catholic priest at his side. He had recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, despite many years of battling with congestive heart failure. Known as Geronimo to some, Jerry to others and Orlando to many, it was the name of Papa that made him the happiest and brought a smile to his lips.

Our father was born the third of four sons on September 30, 1938 in the small town of Guanajay, Cuba, to Domingo and Obdulia Murgado, loving parents and devout Catholics. He was baptized at the Church of St. Hilarion, the patron saint of his hometown. A healthy and robust child, he was known for his sense of humor and infectious smile. Always a hard worker, he helped his father in the family jewelry and watch business from an early age. His love of watches was such that he made sure there was always a clock in every room and a beautiful watch on everyone's wrist.

He fondly recalled delivering bread for a neighbor’s bakery as a young boy, earning him 50 cents a week in wages, enough to give his mother half and still catch the Saturday morning double feature at the local movie theatre for 25 cents. His childhood memories were filled with tales of childish antics, like the time on Holy Thursday when he and his friends rode horses through town while still dressed as the Twelve Apostles. He still laughed, recalling how the church ladies, nearly fainting, made the Sign of the Cross. He cherished his service as an Altar Boy in the Traditional Latin Mass and was a Knight of Columbus from an early age, becoming a Third Degree Knight and an honorary member later in life.

As a young man, his dreams of becoming an attorney were dashed with the unfortunate and violent arrival of communism on Cuba’s shores, a time when Fidel Castro ordered all law schools closed, along with many Catholic churches and schools. Fortunately, he would meet and marry our mother and the true love of his life, Norma Angela Brezo, with whom he would have celebrated 59 years of marriage had she not passed away 24 years ago. Ten years into their marriage and ten years deeper into the communist takeover of their island nation, their first child was born, Norma de los Milagros Murgado; she would eventually marry Robert C. Carroll. Shortly after Norma’s baptism, our father was released from a political prison camp and allowed to leave Cuba. He vowed he would leave Cuba, but only together with his wife and child; there would be no separation of the Murgado family. In August 1971, Geronimo and Norma, along with their three month old daughter, arrived in Madrid, Spain, where they would live almost three years. Our father secured a job in Spain the same day he arrived. Their years in Spain were good and happy ones, but just a stop along their journey to the United States.

After almost three years, Geronimo and Norma, along with two and a half year old Normita, were allowed to travel to the United States. They quickly settled near St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, where they would become lifetime parishioners. Geronimo would once again secure employment immediately, often working several jobs so our mother could stay home with us. His most rewarding and memorable years were spent working for Getty Oil Company and Exxon Oil Company as a gas station manager, and later owner. While most resumes would note hobbies or pastimes, Geronimo’s resume always listed his family. Always a patriot of this wonderful country that gave us freedom, he proudly flew the Stars and Stripes at his home all year round.

Five years after arriving in the U.S., he would be blessed by a second child, Orlando Reinaldo Murgado, who would eventually marry Eryn M. Lewis. Together, Geronimo and Norma worked hard, he outside the home, and she within, to raise and educate both children in the Faith. They were their parents’ pride and joy. He was especially proud of his children’s education, Norma becoming an attorney and Orlando a Master in Fine Arts and a teacher.

More recently, Geronimo would be blessed with two beautiful and loving granddaughters, Anna Frances and Olivia Frances. If his children were his pride and joy, his granddaughters were his entire life. From the time they were babies, he would hold them, feed them, and play games with them. He would always thank God that he was able to see them grow another year, and he never missed an important event in their lives, especially their reception of the Sacraments. He was always able to calm the girls down, giving them advice and good counsel. He leaves us with wonderful memories of summers spent in his backyard, with the girls and his faithful dog, Mariposa. Always the optimist, he never uttered an unkind word. He epitomized what it means to be a true Christian man; a loving and faithful husband, a loving and dedicated father, and a good and caring friend. He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.

We ask you to join us for a wake which will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, Linden NJ, and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Elizabeth NJ, at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Interment will follow the Mass at Rosehill/Rosedale Cemetery, Linden NJ, where he will rest eternally with our mother.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.krowickifuneralhome.com for the Murgado family.