Obituary of Gerald J Ricardo

Jerry Ricardo, age 96, of Livingston, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2026.

Jerry was born on April 3, 1930, in Seneca Falls, New York, to Nancy and Gerald Ricardo. He later settled in West Orange, New Jersey, where he lived for 57 years before moving to Livingston. While Jerry loved his life in West Orange and Livingston, his heart always belonged to Seneca Falls—the town that inspired the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life.

Jerry dedicated more than twenty years of his career to Bendix, a division of Honeywell, where he worked as a manufacturing engineer. He took great pride in his role in the original Space Lab program. After retiring in 1992, Jerry continued his professional life as a consultant. In retirement, he delighted in traveling with his beloved wife, Clara, including many cherished trips to Vero Beach, Florida, where they spent time with close friends Mark and Carol Maricich. When their grandchildren were born, Jerry and Clara lovingly cared for them during the day, making their home a second home filled with warmth, comfort, and love.

A proud and devoted member of the West Orange Elks, Jerry remained active in the organization throughout his life and had recently received his Elks membership card in the mail.

Jerry greatly enjoyed bowling, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. Each year, he organized a golf tournament with his work and town friends and regularly participated in Elks golf tournaments. He was perhaps best known for his legendary Sunday sauce and his open‑door hospitality—anyone who walked through the door was certain to leave well fed. Jerry learned to cook at his mother’s side, allowing him to recreate cherished family recipes passed down from Italy.

Blessed with an extended family of friends, Jerry considered many of them his own family. He served as best man at numerous weddings and was honored to be godfather to many children throughout his life.

Jerry is survived by his children Jill Ricardo; Jerry Ricardo and his wife Deborah; and Jo‑Ann Ricardo. He was a devoted grandfather to Andrew and John. He was also a loving surrogate father to many nieces and nephews, including Bill, John, Nancy (Sprouls), and Tommy Lovenguth; Patti Van Cauwenberge; Doug Van Cauwenberge; and Cathy Van Cauwenberge (Del Tufo).

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Gerald, and Nancy Ricardo; his mother‑in‑law, Edna Burgess (Hulighan); and his beloved wife, Clara Ricardo (Hulighan). He was also preceded in death by his eleven siblings—Paul, Theresa, Josephine, Philomena, Anthony, Rose, Peter, James, Mary, Florence, and Susie—as well as his siblings‑in‑law George Hulighan, William Hulighan, and Mary Ann Hulighan (Van Cauwenberge).

Jerry will be remembered for his devotion to family, generosity of spirit, and the countless lives he touched with warmth, humor, and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation.