Gerald A. "Jerry" Birardi's Obituary
It is with great sorrow, that the Birardi family announces the passing of their devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Gerald A. “Jerry” Birardi.
Jerry, 74, of Liverpool, NY, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born in Syracuse, New York, to the late Jack A. and Mary (Laurino) Birardi on January 25, 1949, where he lived his entire life.
After graduating from Saint John the Baptist in 1967, Jerry went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Ft. Lauderdale University (’71), where he was also a member of Kappa Beta Phi (??F). Subsequently, Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served six years.
Jerry followed in the footsteps of his father, Patrolman Jack A. “Mr. Jack” Birardi when he began his career with the Syracuse Police Department on April 1st, 1974, and was first appointed as a Police Officer.
Jerry initially worked the East side midnight shift patrol division, where he acquired knowledge and experience as a “wingman” to his father before transferring to the North side where he continued to progress.
He continued his career working in the Patrol Division until he was promoted to Sergeant in 1986. His mental agility and adaptability for working the street were readily apparent and as such, was requested to launch the Syracuse Police Department’s Warrant Squad where he held the title of Supervisor.
With Jerry at the helm, the Warrant Squad was later combined with the Criminal Investigations Division, where Jerry not only managed city-wide warrant arrests but also organized warrant roundups as well as captured homicide suspects at the local and national levels. Jerry later went on as the Representative of the Syracuse Police Department when he appeared on the National TV show, America’s Most Wanted, where a local high-profile homicide case was highlighted, and the suspect at large was eventually captured in California.
During this time, Jerry was also deputized as a U.S. Marshal where he was responsible for the local portion of the New York and New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Jerry’s career had a substantial impact on his colleagues and the communities that he served and protected, as his allegiance to duty was continuously recognized by the numerous accolades that he earned.
During his 35-year career of honorable service, Jerry was awarded 3 Divisional Commendations, 24 Bureau Commendations, 1 Departmental Commendation, a 5-time recipient of the PBA Merit & Valor Award, the PBA President’s Award, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, and the Captain Timothy Laun Award. For his true dedication and selfless service to the department, Jerry was awarded the prestigious 1981 Herald Medal.
Jerry not only served the Syracuse Police Department with high honor and distinction but also worked for the Syracuse Housing Authority from 1975-2009, retiring as Co-Director of Security.
Along with his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his mother-in-law Angelina Marcimino, sister-in-law Cindy Birardi, nephew Anthony E. Birardi, and his beloved dogs, Sammie, and Angel.
A devoted and loving father and grandfather, Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lena (Marcimino) Birardi; daughter, Nicole (Scott) Zion of Victor, NY; son, Jeffrey (Megan) Birardi of Liverpool, NY; grandchildren, Sienna and Noah Zion, and Mason and Madelyn Birardi; siblings, David A. (Sandy) Birardi, Diane (Greg) Millet, Jack A. Birardi; nieces and nephews, Kevin (Bridgette) Birardi, Jennifer (Alex) Sineglasov, Ashley (Jimmy) Cinque, Jon (Caitlyn) Millet, Amanda Birardi, and many great nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital ICU for their support and compassion in taking care of Jerry.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash Street, Syracuse. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA, an organization Jerry was passionate about.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?
