Deacon Gerald M. Montiverdi, Sr.

Deacon Gerald M. Montiverdi, Sr., 84, a Deacon with the Diocese of Worcester and retired Worcester Police Chaplain, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at UMass Hospital, with his family at his side.

Deacon Gerry is survived by the love of his life and best friend, his wife of sixty-two years, Veronika “Bunky” E. (Bandilla) Montiverdi; three children, Lisa Marie Fortin and her husband Patrick of Marlborough, Gerald M. Montiverdi, Jr of Worcester, and Christopher M. Montiverdi and his wife Annmarie of Leicester; daughter in law, Sue Montiverdi of Worcester; two sisters, Nancy Leary and Elaine Feodoroff, both of Worcester; eight grandchildren, David, Andrew, Megan, Peter, Amanda, Eric, Paige, and Chad; many nieces and nephews, his best friend who was more like a brother, John Mahan and his wife Mary and their daughter Erin, who bakes the most amazing hermit cookies; six grand-dogs, Thor, Griswald, Nala, Elsa, Juno, and Hunter; rest in peace Murphy, who is now sitting by pops side looking for his usual snack. Deacon was born in Worcester, one of seven children born to Joseph A. and Virginia R. (Sposato) Montiverdi, Sr.  He was predeceased by four brothers, Michael “Mickey”, Victor, Vincent, and Joseph Montiverdi, Jr.  Deacon graduated from Commerce High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Deacon’s strong faith led him to join the Diaconate Program for the Diocese of Worcester.  He was ordained June 5, 1981, and served his first Mass on Saturday, June 6, 1981, on the eve of Pentecost Sunday.  His devotion to Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Jude was strong and he devoted many hours of prayer to their causes.  He served as Deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and Our Lady of Loreto for the entirety of his Diaconate.  He also served as a Chaplain at UMass Hospital for thirty-three years, devoting his time and prayers to the pediatric department.

Deacon Gerry, worked for many years as the Senior Store Clerk for the Worcester Police Department, retiring in 2017, having previously worked as assistant director of transportation for New England Grocers.  He was appointed Chaplain of the Worcester Police Department in 1997 by Chief Edward Gardella and Bishop Bernard Flanagan, and for many years, Deacon Gerry offered prayers and spiritual guidance to members of The Department.  One of his greatest honors as department chaplain was being able to read “The Policeman’s Prayer” at the annual Worcester Police Memorial Sunday services. He also served as Chaplain of the Worcester Police Relief Association.   In this service, Deacon was also a member of the Central MA Critical Incident Debriefing team.  In 2011, Police Chief Gary Gemme presented Deacon with the “Chief of Police Citation” award for his dedicated service to the department. 

Deacon Gerry was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Church where he served on several church committees and was a 4^th degree Knight with the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Council K of C.  He enjoyed reading, golf, and sharing his ministry.  He was a former member of the Singletary Rod and Gun Club.  

Deacon Gerry was devoted to his faith and to his family; he was a man of grace and dignity and was never one to complain.  He always put others needs first and would always find time to provide whatever good counsel was needed to help those in need.  Life, his church ministry and most importantly family were God’s gifts and he cherished them entirely.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the VNA of Worcester; specifically, Sue, McKenzie, Kelly, and Keely for the wonderful, compassionate care he received from them over the past 2 years.  

Calling Hours for Deacon Gerry will be held in the sanctuary at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road Worcester, on Monday, April 10, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 11, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester (Please go directly to church).  Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Building Fund, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604, or to the Pediatrics  Department at UMass Hospital, in care of UMass Memorial Office of Philanthropy, 365 Plantation Street, Biotech One, Worcester, MA 01605, specify your gift is for “Children’s Medical Center Greatest Needs” or by visiting www.ummhealth.org/giving .

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