Gerard Joseph DeMuro

Gerard Jerry Joseph DeMuro was a highly decorated veteran of World War II, who overcame life-threatening injuries suffered during the campaign to free Europe to live a long and happy life with his beloved and incredibly dedicated wife of sixty-seven years, Margaret Peg Rose DeMuro formerly Hubbert. Twice wounded in combat and not expected to survive injuries suffered in the hedgerows of Normandy, France, he was told he would never walk nor father children. Through grit and determination he overcame those injuries to accomplish a great deal during his ninety four years of which he was most proud to be the much loved and deeply admired patriarch of the extensive DeMuro clan that includes his wife, seven children, five sons in law, two daughters in law, and eighteen grandchildren along with their eight spouses and thirteen great grandchildren.

Born in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Jerry’s deep sense of family was evident very early on, as he became the rock of his family through the difficult circumstances of the Great Depression. Known to many of his teammates as ‘Murph’, he was a three-sport star at the powerhouse Lighthouse Boys Athletic Club of Philadelphia, and was eventually offered a professional baseball contract prior to the war. A graduate of the Class of 1936 from Northeast Catholic High Scholl for Boys, Jerry was an excellent student, but his family responsibilities kept him from participating in all but the championship soccer team and the chemistry club. Jerry’s quiet, loyal spirit was the personification of the Falcon, which was chosen as the school mascot for its determination – it never lets go of its prey and is always faithful to its trainer.

Interrupting a career in the Federal Government to join the war effort, Jerry rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant, eventually leading his platoon ashore on June 6, 1944 in one of the earliest groups to assault the infamous Omaha Beach, scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the invasion of Normandy. Less than two weeks later, he received his first wounds in combat but returned to service not long thereafter, eventually being felled by a sniper as the Allies advanced through the French countryside. Survival was deemed unlikely, but through a series of experimental treatments, 36 surgeries, months of rehabilitation and, of course, the unwavering love and commitment of his darling Peg, he did return to a productive civilian life.

The epitome of what has been referred to as “America’s Greatest Generation”, Jerry rarely, if ever, spoke of his numerous decorations and service citations which included the Purple Heart Medal with oak leaf cluster, the American Campaign Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Battle Stars and the Bronze Arrowhead Medal. He, like so many of his fellow servicemen, put the experiences of war behind him and moved on to lead a happy and fruitful life. He enjoyed a distinguished business career with decades of government service at the Frankford Arsenal, where he served as a senior management analyst and at the Philadelphia State Hospital as the head of its Acquisition organization.

Jerry remained a sports enthusiast throughout his life, and became an avid golfer and member of two area golf and country clubs. He and Peg enjoyed many a round and golfing trip together, and he passed his love of the game onto a number of his children and grandchildren. His wit, positive attitude and perseverance were ever present, although he was not shy about sharing a contrary opinion. An astute observer of business, world affairs and sport, he could be a great source of advice and counsel as well exceptional company. His support and belief in the ability of his family and friends to achieve great things was remarkable but nonetheless genuine and unshakable. He serves an outstanding role model for all. An ordinary hero, an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, who demonstrated exceptional character, indomitable spirit and a loving commitment to family throughout his life.