Jacob G. Gerace

Jacob G. Gerace, 90, of Pottsville died Tuesday at home. He was born December 29, 1919 in Palo Alto son of the late Joseph and Anna Gallo Gerace. He was a graduate of Pottsville High School and was self employed at Pottsville Body and Fender and a partner in Kline Appraisal Service. He was a veteran who served with the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, Catholic War Veterans, Post 1051, Pottsville, Six Counties Firemen's Association a life member of Yorkville Hose Co., Pottsville, and served as an Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Pottsville from 1969 to 1972. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Mariano, Michael and Anthony Gerace: 2 sisters, Vincinetta Zugzda and Lucy Lubinsky. Surviving are his wife, the former Rosalie J. Messina, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage with in September; 2 daughters, Ann Marie Durso and her husband, David, Bernville and Christine Gerace Johnson and her husband, David, Palmetto Florida: 3 sisters, Mary Claffey, Philadelphia, Anna Marchetti, Philadelphia and Margaret Gerace, Ocala, Florida: 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Kathleen and Stephanie Durso and Katherine Johnson: nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday at Noon from St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions made to Yorkville Hose Co., S. 20th and W. Norwegian Sts., Pottsville PA, 17901, Pinnacle Health Hospice, 301 One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville, PA 17901 or St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Interment with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.