Gerard Isadore Savarese passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 12th at the age of 83. His wife, Dianne Gattuso Savarese, was right by his side, as she has been throughout their incredible love story.
Gerard was a true gentleman and an inspiration to all those who loved him. He was born on February 25, 1936 in Manhattan, New York to immigrant Italian parents, Isadore and Rose Usario Savarese. Together, Isadore, Rose, Gerard and his two older sisters Marie and Raquel, truly embodied the American Dream. Like his parents and sisters, Gerard worked hard at his studies and had a passion for life and athletics. A huge fan of his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, Gerard played lacrosse in high school and served as a lifeguard during the hot summers at the famous Coney Island in Brooklyn and Point Pleasant, New Jersey. He also became an avid skier and an impressive golfer over the years, playing on some of the world’s most challenging courses.
Relentlessly curious and with dreams to help solve problems and make a positive impact, Gerard earned a degree in textile engineering from UMass Lowell and a master’s degree in international business administration from Georgia State. He worked for Mobil and, subsequently, ExxonMobil his entire career. His work took him around the world, with projects in Russia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy and Nigeria just to name a few. In work as in life, Gerard brought his incredible intellect, sharp wit and integrity to everything he did.
Eventually, his work brought him to Houston, Texas where he met Dianne, whom he adored beyond measure. Together, they shared a love for lifelong learning, family, travel, good friends, meaningful conversations and, especially, good food! Their adventures took them to Germany, Italy, Austria, Canada, New York and points in between, making dear friends and incredible memories along the way. They also deeply enjoyed the company of their treasured friends in Houston, with whom they spent countless hours cooking, watching football, trying out new restaurants, and mostly just laughing heartily and often. The two also treasured quiet moments together. Reading books and sipping coffee by a roaring fire was a favorite past time and Gerard was always surrounded by his two most loyal companions, his cats, Maxie and Nicole.
A devout Catholic, Gerard also cherished his time at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land where he attended mass almost every morning. He was actively involved in the Halfway House Ministry, the Men’s Bible Study group and the Catholic Men Called to Be Saints group. Dianne will treasure these memories of Gerard enjoying the best of what life can offer and sharing good counsel and affection with so many.
He will be deeply missed by Dianne as well as his stepchildren, to whom he served as a devoted surrogate father, trusted advisor and unwavering cheerleader. Gerard’s stepchildren include Daniel, Monique, John Paul (Meagan), Candace (Joseph Lore), Matthew (Stephanie Dixon), Madalyn Adams, Philip Jr., Valerie (Ramon Lanza III) and Natashia (Dr. Curtis Ciona).
He leaves behind his precious grandchildren who lovingly called him Nonno. They include Micah and Eliza Lore, Cade and Ava Gattuso, Mikayla Sam, Valentina and Ramon Lanza IV, Noah and Madison Adams, Tucker, Brett and Lucas Ciona and Gabrielle Gattuso.
Gerard is also survived by his beloved sister, Marie Savarese, his niece Raquel (David Maynes) and nephews Robert Foglia Jr. and Anthony Foglia (Dr. Karen Lederle) as well as his great nieces and nephews Robert III, Rebecca, Christina and Anthony Foglia, Jr., Austen and Raquel Maynes and a great-grand-nephew Carroll Jesse Forman, born just two weeks ago. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, stepson David Gattuso, his sister Raquel and brother-in-law Robert Foglia.
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Jack Guidry, who faithfully and patiently made it possible and safe for Gerard to continue participating in his beloved St. Laurence ministries and programs. We are also grateful for Mike Lojo’s gentle kindness and care. Their friendship and acceptance meant the world to Gerard, as did the fellowship of the many members of the Knights of Columbus who provided such good company. Last, but certainly not least, Dianne and her children are deeply grateful to Rick and Val Venters for their unwavering friendship and support over the years.
A funeral service will be held in Gerard’s honor on Monday, November 18th at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, TX. Visitation and viewing begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Please join the family for a reception celebrating Gerard’s life at the church immediately following the Mass.
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