Geraldine "Geri" M. Bajo

80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 16, 2016. A lifelong resident of Tampa, she loved her hometown, in particular, Ybor City, where she was born and raised and where she devoted much of her time doing community service. Geri graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1953, and has always maintained a very special place in her heart for the Sisters of the Holy Names. She went on to graduate from Florida State University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in education, after which she taught elementary school before starting her family. She had an innate ability to make everyone she met instantly take to her, such as her future husband, Pedro. They met in 1963 while Pedro was visiting from his native Spain. They were set up on a blind date and he decided to permanently relocate to Tampa to be with her. Geri was a caring and loving person who always put the needs of others above her own. She dedicated much of her time to serving others in many capacities. She served on the Board of Trustees for both the Academy of the Holy Names and Jesuit High School, was a Eucharistic minister for Christ the King Church, was a tour guide for the Ybor City State Museum, and served as president of the Holy Names Alumni Association. Geri adored her family, both immediate and extended, and she was very proud of each and every one of them. Geri was preceded in passing by her parents, Leopoldo and Virginia Diaz, of Tampa. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Pedro F. Bajo; brother, Dr. Leopoldo Diaz (Elaine); sons, Pedro F. Bajo, Jr. (Chaila) and Ricardo Bajo (Maggie); daughter Dr. Pamela McClelland (Dennis); grandchildren, Alexandra Bajo, Megan Bajo, Dennis McClelland, Jr. (“Michael”), Matthew McClelland, Emily McClelland, and Brock Bajo; nephew, Chris Diaz (Toni); and niece, Claudine Caballero (Joe). Pallbearers include Pedro Bajo, Jr., Ricardo Bajo, Dennis McClelland, Dennis McClelland, Jr., Chris Diaz, Joe Caballero, Gonzalo Garcia, and Carlos Cuervo. Honorary pallbearers include Joe Wright, Vince Caranante, Matthew McClelland, and Brock Bajo. There will be a visitation from 6-8pm on Monday, June 20th, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. The interment will be private at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Morningstar School of Pinellas Park (a Catholic school for students with special needs), 4661 80th Ave. N., Pinellas Park, FL, 33781.