1923 - 2016
Visitation
July 11, 20164-7PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
July 12, 201610 AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Jerry Dirubbo of N.Chelmsford passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of N.Chelmsford, Jerry was the beloved husband of Cecile Dirubbo (Boutin) for 50 years and companion to Nicholina (“Nickie”) Bischoff for the past 16 years. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Fernandois and ex-son-in-law, Luis Fernandois, of Lowell, two adoring grandchildren, Sarah and Max Fernandois, of N. Chelmsford and Boston, and many nieces and nephews.
The son of Italian immigrants, Frank and Olympia Dirubbo, Jerry was also brother to the late Peter, Angelo and James Dirubbo, whom he never stopped missing. Jerry graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1943 and attended the University of New Hampshire for Heat Treating and Metallurgy. He proudly served with the U.S. ARMY during WWII and saw action in Northern France, the Rhineland of Germany and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, WW II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Jerry was employed with Sanders Associates for 32 years as an Assistant Engineer until his retirement in 1987. He was also a Registered Piano Technician for over 50 years and an accomplished musician who played sax and banjo with several local bands, including his own “Debonnaires,” the Comeback Kids swing band and the Yankee Strummers. Jerry was a also a member of the American Legion, A.W. Vinal Post 313, the Chelmsford Senior Citizens Club, the Chelmsford Senior Center Band, and the Chelmsford Elks. Besides music, Jerry was passionate about miniature horses, oysters on the half shell, and the cabin cruiser he maintained at Lake Winnepausaukee for 16 years.
To know Jerry was to love him. He was an extrovert by nature and made friends everywhere he went. His love of life, tenacity and intellectual curiosity were unparalleled, and, despite his many health issues, he woke up every day ready to tackle whatever challenges the day had in store. Always future-focused he continually looked ahead to the next project, the next outing or the next meal. He was a devotee of the Food Network, and an avid reader, switching in later life from technical journals to creative nonfiction, and devoured 300-page books in a week, even with failing eyesight. Jerry was a role model and an inspiration to all who knew him and will be terribly missed.
Visiting hours Monday 4 to 7 P.M. Funeral Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD,MA. Burial in the Fairview Cemetery, Chelmsford. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Linda
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So sad to loose the oldest member of our family. I know he is wit his brother’s having a wonderful time with them, just like the good old days. Going to Main St. Won’t be the same.
Nicholas DiRubbo jr.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family
Charlene Frishman
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Dear Susan, Sara & Max,
A life well lived is always the best memory. Uncle Jerry certainly left us with that. There is so much we could talk about and probably will at different times. Thinking of you with much love. Charlene
Antoinette Ingicco
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My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Angie McMaster
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Our condolences to Jerry’s family and friends. He was a wonderful neighbor, kind to everyone and always had a story to tell. He will be missed. The McMaster Family
Cabezas family
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We are very sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. We have many many fond memories and thought of jerry often over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We love you and are with you in spirit.
Jaime, patty, poly Cabeza
andrea & Maddock Monroe & family
Lee and Bud Wilkins
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Jerry had a reputation; he went out of his way to help if he could. He surely made the world a better place.
Our sympathies to the family, Lee and Bud Wilkins
Martha Verville
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All of our family wishes to extend our sympathy at the loss of Jerry. My children remember him and always loved to be around him. I’m sure Paul was standing in line waiting to greet him with a big hug. He will remain in my heart as quite a great guy, always caring and fun to be with.
Dr. Andrew Ralowicz
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God bless you Jerry and condolences to your family.
Your music brought joy to many.
Dr. Andrew Ralowicz & Family
Gaithersburg, MD
Lisa (Vincent) Baker
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Sue,
So sorry to read of your Dad’s passing, I can only imagine the pain you are feeling at this time. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.
Lisa (Vincent) Baker
CHS Class of 1975
John Ralowicz
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From:John Ralowicz Family to Dirubbo Family. Very sad to hear of the passing of MR. Dirubbo. In 1974 he and his family took me in and made me feel like one of their own. It’s easy to see why he had so many friends! my whole family express our sympathy, blessings and prayers.
Brian
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Hi Susan
Sorry to hear about your dad. I’m with my mom and Bruce talking about when we went up to the boat when we were kids. Looked up Jerry and saw he passed away. Sorry Susan. Hope all is good no well with you
Love,
Brian