Mark Anthony Gerardi

Mark was born on June 10, 1940, to Sebastian and Theresa Gerardi. He grew up in Montclair, NJ, where he served as an altar boy for eleven years at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Mark was the captain of Montclair High School’s championship football team and played in the first ever televised high school football game. Upon graduating high school, he was scouted by Division I colleges but chose to decline in order to help take care of his family.

Following high school, Mark joined the United States Army, serving two years in Germany and two years with the National Guard, where he built lifelong friendships. Upon returning from service, he worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Mark then built a career in life insurance, where he spent thirty-plus years at Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company. Working his way up, he achieved the position of Regional Marketing Officer. During this time, he built and implemented a sales program, executing a strategic plan that generated substantial company growth.

Mark was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed golfing. He was a dedicated supporter of veteran causes. Mark was an adored husband and father whose life touched countless family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Theresa Gerardi; and his two brothers, Angelo and Sebastian. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna, of 63 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and John Chriswell; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Adria Gerardi; his granddaughter, Isabella; ten godchildren; numerous relatives; and beloved neighbors and friends.

Mark’s life can best be summed up by these words: “The measure of a man is in the lives he’s touched.” — Ernie Banks.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass for Mark on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, promptly at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 28 Livingston Ave., Roseland, NJ.

Donations in Mark's memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at: t2t.org