Geraldine Deraco, 90, of Gulfport, Florida formerly of Vestal, New York passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Gerry is predeceased by her husband of 48 years Joseph, her parents Alfonso & Stella Virgilio and sister Valarie Virgilio. Gerry is survived by her son, Michael Deraco and his children, John Deraco, Elizabeth Gill and James Deraco; daughter, Mary Rose Deraco and her children Luca and Diego Sosa; and daughter Christine Juozitis (Michael) and their children Jessica and Emily Juozitis; two great-grandchildren; Henry & Margaret Gill; siblings Lawrence (Anita) Virgilio, Linda (Craig) O’Connor and several adoring nieces and nephews. Gerry was born on June 5, 1934 in Johnson City, New York to parents Alfonso and Stella Virgilio. Gerry is a graduate of Johnson City High School and continued her education at the State University of New York, College at Cortland where she received a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Literacy Education. In 1958 she married the love of her life Joseph Deraco and together they raised 3 children in Vestal, New York. Gerry spent her career as a beloved teacher for 34 years. Most of Gerry’s teaching career was spent in the Vestal Central School District. In her time at Vestal, she touched the hearts of countless students, colleagues and friends. Her passion for teaching, patience, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impact. After retiring from teaching in 1989, Gerry and her husband Joe began the next chapter of their lives in Gulfport, Florida where Gerry was actively involved in the community; volunteering at Gulfport Elementary School, serving as member of the Gulfport Women’s Club and knitting and crocheting for the homeless, hospice and infants. Gerry cherished time spent with her family and friends, playing cards, knitting, crocheting and traveling. She always greeted others with a sense of warmth, wisdom and laughter. Her legacy of love, friendship and dedication to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Gerry’s family would like to thank the palliative care team at UHS Wilson Hospital.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday March 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church 801 Main St. Vestal, NY 13850. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Vestal Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 959, Vestal, NY 13851-0959 or www.vestal.dollarsforscholars.org