Gerald "Jerry" Aquino of Joplin, Mo., passed away peacefully, with family by his side, at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon, Mo., on December 20th, 2017. He was 87.
Jerry was born on January 17th, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., to Rocco John and Angela (nee Mangino) Aquino.
He joined the Marine Corp in 1948 and was one of the Chosin Few in Korea in the winter of 1950. In the 50's, he worked as a dance instructor at the Holiday Dance Club in Chicago and continued to love dancing throughout his life.
Jerry moved to Joplin in the early 60's and worked as a printing salesman when he met his future wife, Nita. He later worked for many years as a Culligan Man and drove all over the Four-State region on his sales routes. He loved being out on the country roads in the beautiful landscapes. Jerry and Nita attended The First United Methodist Church in Joplin for over 40 years and were long-time members of the Tri-M Sunday School class.
Jerry loved to garden and always had one of the nicest yards on the street. He also loved animals and later in life, he and Nita moved to a small farm outside of town where he had many cats, donkeys, and horses. On the "farm", Jerry and Nita loved hosting Sunday School parties and cherished the visits from their granddaughters.
Jerry was known for his kindness, compassion, and generosity and could talk to just about anyone. He was loved and will be missed by many friends and family members.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Nita; his parents; and his younger brother, Don Aquino.
He is survived by his son, Cameron Aquino (Mavi), of Spain; two daughters, Autumn (Tim) Cox, of Miamisburg, Ohio, and Angela (Steen) Aquino, of Bellingham, Wash.; his two sisters, Mary Ann (Sidney) Wilson and Joan Pucillo, both from the Chicago area; by five granddaughters; and by his nieces and nephews.
Memorial service to be held at a later date at The First United Methodist Church at 501 W. 4th Street, Joplin.
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