Gennaro J. Bortone

Gennaro Joseph “Jerry” Bortone, 88, a resident of Springfield, MA since 1972, formerly of Somerville, MA, died Sunday, November 24, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born and educated in Somerville, son of the late Lucido and Mary (Musto) Bortone, and was a graduate of Somerville Vocational High School Class of 1950. After graduation, Jerry entered the U.S. Coast Guard, and after two years transferred to the United States Air Force, where he began a career that spanned 22 years of active military service. While stationed in Germany, he met his future wife Ernestine “Tina”. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, and retired on June 1, 1974 at the rank of Master Sergeant. After his honorable discharge from active duty, Jerry returned to civilian life and worked for the Sweet Life Corporation in Suffield, CT for over 17 years. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local #559, and attended Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 62 years, Ernestine H. (Steinmetz) Bortone and two loving children, Michael R. Bortone and his wife, Denise, of Hampstead, NH; and Donna E. Bortone of Springfield, as well as his beloved grandchildren Kara and Nicholas Bortone of Hampstead. He was part of a large and loving family of 13 children, and is survived by brothers Julius and Ralph, and sister Grace. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Vincent, Louie, Caesar, Anna, Clara, Rose and Dolores. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday evening, December 3, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield. His funeral will take place Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by Rites of Committal and Military Honors at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield. Contributions in his memory may be directed to the American Heart Association. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com