Gerald Lawrence Schiano Jr. (Jerry) loved life! He loved everything life had to offer. As a young boy, Jerry was elated that he lived on Federal Hill, near his esteemed grandfather. As an adult, he looked back fondly on his youth and his family ancestry on “The Hill” and returned there regularly for authentic Italian food at several restaurants, his favorite being the Old Canteen. He also adored his family trip to Italy, where he took in the sights and enjoyed the food with an enthusiasm and energy that few people can exude. Some of his favorite pastimes included deep-sea fishing, boating, and trips to the casino to play poker and craps. His favorite snack was hot wieners and coffee milk. He also adored cars, such as his beloved Z-28 and his corvette.
Most of all, he absolutely adored his family and spending time with his loved ones at family parties. He had a deep and loving connection with his soulmate, and wife of 43 years, Katherine Schiano. He was especially proud of his daughters, Tara Seger, Michaela Klepadlo, and Alyssa Drake. He had amazing relationships with his sons-in-law, Daniel Seger, Matthew Klepadlo, and Zachary Drake. Gerald loved his grandsons with an extra special reverence. He adored soccer games and chess tournaments with Gavin Seger. With his second grandson, Owen Seger, he loved holding conversations about mathematics such as discussions about infinity and watching him perform in school plays. Favorite activities with his third grandson, Matthew Klepadlo Jr., who looks just like him, included pinball and watching his tennis matches. Gerald especially adored traveling to Italy and eating Italian food on “The Hill” with his wife and parents, Gerald and Nancy (D'Ambra) Schiano.
Gerald began his career in the construction industry, supervising the financial management of multi–million dollar construction projects in the Northeast, lending his talents to the Renaissance of the city of Providence and Boston. Gerald then joined the high technology sector creating cost systems that were adopted internationally. Gerald established information systems, internal controls, and developed currency exchange models that provided unique risk management within the marketplace.
Unfortunately, Jerry lost his battle with cancer on February 27, 2023 at the age of 63. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11am at St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, RI. Visitation Thursday from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston, RI.
Gerald smiled at every opportunity right until the very end. A true lover of family and life, he will be dearly missed; but he also lives on as an inspiration.