Everyone’s Best Friend –

Jack Cerulo, former longtime Chairman & current Treasurer, of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA died of an apparent heart attack on June 2nd.

Jack was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and treasured friend. His lifelong dedication to Perth Amboy was evident through is volunteer work on many local boards and organizations, especially the Y.

As a child, after church, Jack’s father would take him and his brothers to the Y. This experience was a foundation for a strong family and goodness throughout his life.

Jack’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he knew and the smiles of the children touched by his good work.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and his entire family.

We love you.

Gregg Ficarra, Chairman
Raritan Bay Area YMCA

(Written on behalf of the YMCA Board of volunteers and staff.)

A Star Looking Down At Us –

Last week, the City of Perth Amboy lost a faithful public servant, a true shepherd of the people when Jack Cerulo went home to be with God.

Jack was a true family man. His family always came first. After that he loved his friends and his beloved Perth Amboy. He loved this town and its people. No matter where he lived, Perth Amboy was his first and primary home.

The strength of Jack’s love was magnified by the composure and peaceful aura displayed by his family as they greeted the nearly 3,000 visitors at his wake that day. His family was truly in a “State of Grace.” The amount of people that came to his viewing was a testament to the quality of Jack’s life and how he was respected, loved and appreciated.

Jack and I were colleagues on several boards over the years. He recruited me about 25 years ago to become a member of the YMCA Board of Directors. We  shared a level of trust and respect. I could talk to him about anything and knew that he would hold my confidence. Talking to Jack was like talking to one of my best girlfriends. We ended each conversation with “I love you.”

In my need to rationalize events that I have a difficult time understanding, this is my belief . . . God needed another star up in heaven and he picked the best one that he could find. Jack, I know that you are the newest, brightest star in the sky looking down on us as our protector.

Jack, I love you, I will miss you and you will always have a place in my heart.

Dorothy Carty-Daniel