Obituary of Jerry Lembo

Gennaro “Jerry” Lembo 87 of East Haven passed away December 4, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 19, 1928 in New Haven to the late Zachery and Maria (Viola) Lembo. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jacqueline (Callahan) Lembo and children; Charlie Lembo (Debbie) of Southington, CT, Maria Brett (Eric) of Westford MA, Cathy DePonte (Peter) of Southington, CT, Nancy Lembo of Mount Pleasant, SC, Peggy Splaine (John) of West Boothbay Harbor, ME. Jerry was a proud grandfather of: Christopher & Meghan Lembo, Lauren, Matthew & Michael Brett, Steven, Amanda, & Rachel DePonte, Cleyton Splaine, and his pet companions, “Max, Molly & Murphy”. He was a brother-in-law of, Rev Francis Callahan of Milford, CT, Nancy Ritcher of Fairfield, CT, Richard Brock of Rockville, CA, Carmel Lembo of Wallingford, CT, and Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by six siblings; brothers, Dante Lembo and Al Lembo, sisters, Jennie Carbone, Antoinette Ferro, Rose Giordano, and Barbara Chiarmante. He was a Sergeant First Class of the US Army, Korean War veteran, in the 223rd Regt, 40th Infantry Division where he received several service medals, including 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, and a Commendation Ribbon. Jerry taught US History at East Haven High School, as well as being the basketball and baseball coach which led to his recent induction into the East Haven Hall of Fame. Jerry is an Alumni of Hillhouse High School, Providence College, and received his Masters from Fairfield University. Jerry was a first generation college graduate of his family, leading the path for his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, golfer, and gardener at his home. He was an active member of his community, a member of American Legion Post No. 89, and a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church, East Haven. Besides teaching, coaching, playing basketball and baseball, his true passion was his family. He loved to attend his children and grandchildren’s educational and sporting events. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Funeral procession will leave Clancy Funeral Home on Wednesday at 10:40 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to East Haven Food Pantry, 39 Park Place, East Haven CT or American Legion Post 89, 574 Thompson Ave., East Haven CT 06512 in memory of Jerry Lembo.