Obituary of Albert Gerace

Albert “Al” Gerace, 83, of Staten Island, New York, passed peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026. 

Born on February 21, 1943, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late John and Concetta Gerace (Maltese).  After graduating from New Utrecht High School, his sense of adventure led him to join the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Power DD-839, stationed in Mayport, Florida from 1962-1966.  After completing his military service, he held various sales positions in the paper and then furniture industry, before changing professions entering the building services trade becoming a building manager and member of the 32-BJ Service Employees International Union until his retirement in 2012. He held licenses in multiple disciplines including air conditioning, cooling tower operation, locksmithing, as well as fire safety director.  For several years he was an instructor at the 32BJ Thomas Shortman Training School.

In late 1969 while working for furniture company Krebs Stengel in New York City, he met the love of his life, Lucille (Raimo).   They were married on February 24, 1973 and shared life’s journey for 53 years.  Together they raised their sons Christopher and John.  They started their family in Brooklyn, New York, before moving to Marlborough, Massachusetts, eventually settling on Staten Island in 1982. 

Al was known for his sense of humor, storytelling and personable nature, he enjoyed regaling in stories of his youth growing up in Brooklyn, travels in the U.S. Navy and as a salesman through New England.  He was inquisitive by nature and had a creative spirit. Al had many interests and that included fishing, gardening, photography, and collecting books on poetry, art, and whatever piqued his interest. He had an eclectic taste in music with a collection of albums and CDs of opera, jazz, country, American standards and early rock’n’roll.   He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.   

Over the years he attended U.S.S. Power Alumni association gatherings around the country, meeting up with his old shipmates and reminiscing about the many adventures they had when they were young men. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings Carmine, John and Antoinette;  Al is survived by his wife Lucille, sons Christopher and John, daughter-in-law Nancy Peterson-Gerace, and granddaughter Jacqueline.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.