Obituary of Jerry LaGressa

Jerry G. "Poppy" LaGressa, 94, of Silvermead, Freehold Township passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Poppy was born, raised, and had lived in Brooklyn before moving to the Silvermead Community, Freehold Township in 1981. He was train conductor for NYC Transit System for 22 years retiring in 1969. In retirement, Poppy worked as a security clerk for Manufacturers Hanover, NYC. He was a parishioner of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Poppy was a diehard Yankee fan, a bocce legend, a connoisseur of Dagwood sandwiches, and had an uncontrollable sweet tooth. He enjoyed his time at the track, trips to Atlantic City, and dancing but most of all he cherished his sweethearts and pals. Poppy was predeceased by his wife, Theresa in 1976; three brothers; and a sister. He is survived by his four daughters, Juliet Paolillo and her husband, Dominick of Monroe, Phyllis Nova and her husband, Anthony of Old Bridge, Geri Loffredo and her husband, Rich of Manalapan, and Joanne McGrath and her husband, Kevin of Point Pleasant; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and his godson, Ralphie Scarcella. A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Relatives and friend are invited to gather at the funeral home on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 10:00 AM for the procession to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township for his 11:00 AM Funeral Mass. Entombment will follow in Holmdel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Holmdel. For those who desire memorial contributions in memory of Poppy may be made the American Cancer Society, 2310 Route 34, Suite 1D, Manasquan, NJ 08736. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.