Gerald Minissale

Gerald “Jerry” Minissale, 46, of Cleveland, OH died in Tampa, FL on November 3rd, 2023 surrounded by his family and close friends.

Jerry was a beloved son to Thelma and Gerald Minissale, Sr, brother to Monica Minissale, Tracy (Richard) Zint, Erica (Jose) Caraballo, and Joseph Minissale; An Uncle to Roni (Thomas) Davis, Jaylenne Minissale, Thaddeus (Allison) Zint, Connor Zint, Dominic & Deric Caraballo, and Alexia Minissale; A Great-Uncle to Madisyn, Avarie, Emilia, Kinleigh, and Myles Davis. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from the Muniz family and shared a special bond with Amanda and Olivia Olmeda, Elsie’s nieces and will be greatly missed by his mother and father-in-law, Nereida and Julio Muniz.

He was born in Cleveland in 1976 to Gerald & Thelma Minissale Sr, and often would mention how much his mother and father showed him what it meant to be a great family man. Family always came first in the Minissale home and he thrived from the love and care his parent’s poured into his upbringing. He spoke of their weekly Sunday dinners, family trips to Geauga Lake, Sea World and Cedar Point, and through this they fostered a lifelong fascination with theme parks as a bonafide roller coaster enthusiast. As a young boy, Jerry attended St Vincent DePaul and the Cleveland School of Arts due to his artistic talents, and then St. Edward High School where playing quarterback was a highlight of his life.  He later went on to major in Business at Western Governors University, and in turn began working for Divvy Homes.

Jerry met the love of his life, Elsie in 2008 online. He always joked that she put him on ice for 2 years before meeting in person.  Excited to start their new life together, the two were married twice, once on March 31st, 2017 followed by a huge Italian/Puerto Rican reception on June 23rd, 2019 at Gervasi Vineyard.

Jerry and Elsie blended their family of six, and their children meant the world to him. Brenden, Jordan, Carissa, Isaiah, Benjamin and Layla brought him so much joy as he watched them all grow. They each made him proud in their own unique way.

Jerry had a soft spot for his family of 4 dachshunds, treating each and every one like the valuable family members that they are.  Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Manolo, and Luna loved their Daddy just as much as he loved them.

Jerry was passionate about his role as a Regional Field Manager for Divvy Homes. He worked for the company for 5 years and took pride in being a culture carrier by always being willing to jump into the trenches when spreading the word of Divvy’s mission. Jerry was so committed to his role that even when he was not well enough to go back to work, he spent his time looking at training videos on the new system being implemented so he could jump right back in when able.

Everyone who knew Jerry knew how much he loved sports, especially football. He spent many years playing semi-pro for numerous teams and always enjoyed the camaraderie between the players he met from all walks of life. He most especially loved his time coaching the Cleveland Cobras alongside Jesse Caldwell. They shared countless long- winded phone calls with Elsie often joking that they should just get a room.

Jerry will always be remembered for his love of family and football and the way that he was always front and center for anyone in need. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “Well, hello hello" as he’s coming through the door or “Nooo…you don’t wanna do that…” in a goofy voice when attempting to gently redirect us when in the midst of making a bad decision. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, son, uncle, father, brother, son-in-law, and friend. We will miss Jerry every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. He was exceptional, he was adored, and loved beyond measure by all who crossed his path.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine Church, 2486 W. 14 St., Cleveland, Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1 P.M.  Family and friends will be received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL ROAD, (AT SNOW RD.), FRIDAY from 3-7 P.M.

Donations for lingering medical bills and family expenses can  continue being made at https://gofund.me/b8691533 and are most greatly appreciated.