Gerald M. "Jerry" DePass
Gerald M. DePass, 86, of Danbury, CT, a long-time resident of Ridgefield, CT passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022 at Danbury Hospital with his wife and daughter at his side. He was a beloved husband, father and Pop-Pop.
Gerald, known to friends and family as Jerry, was born on March 4, 1936, in New York City. A son of the late Herman and Barbara (Chombak) DePass. Jerry was raised in New Jersey, attending Irvington High School where he was a member of the Class of 1954. At IHS he was active in sports, choir, student council and church. He formed life-long friendships being responsible for the planning of many reunions and maintaining the class website. He was in touch with high school friends right up until his passing. In 1958 Jerry received a degree in Economics from Union College in Schenectady, NY. He was also very active in student life in college serving as class president for four years and being a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He served in the Air Force Reserves for 12 years being honorably discharged earning the rank of Captain.
In 1960 he married Nina (Mastriani), the love of his life, who survives him. Jerry is also survived by daughter Debra DePass Jones and her husband Kevin, as well as his beloved grandchildren Olivia and Ava Jones. Given the physical proximity to Nina and Jerry, Debra, Kevin and the girls made many memories with them in the time they shared. These memories will be treasured for years to come.
He loved the town of Ridgefield cultivating many friends over 40 years in town. He was a passionate homeowner spending many happy hours on his John Deere perfecting the lawn. Continuing a life dedicated to service, he was active in school board issues, town planning and Democratic Town politics where he ran a number of local election campaigns.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 1:30 PM at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding, Connecticut 06896 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield CT, 06877, who were the providers of great care and comfort during Jerry’s illness.