Gerard "Jerry" W. Racasi

Gerard “Jerry” W. Racasi, age 83 years, died on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Care One at Somerset Valley, Bound Brook, NJ. He had resided in Hunterdon County, NJ since 2002 and prior to that, lived in Mendham, NJ.

Jerry was born in Chicago, IL on July 1, 1937, the son of the late Gerard and Susan MacLaren Racasi. After moving to Tennessee and then Staten Island during his early years, he became a standout football player at New Dorp High School. He continued to play football during his service in the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Sergeant and was recognized as a standout marksman, qualifying as Rifle Expert. He remained immensely proud of his service throughout his life.

After finding success on Wall Street, Jerry completed his schooling at NYU and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. He returned to the Securities industry, working as a municipal bond trader for several New-York area firms. He was able to become self-employed later on during a career that spanned over 50 years.

Jerry was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, and he would often read several books at a time. His refined palate could discern fine wines from around the world and collecting became a hobby early on. He possessed a keen and informed appreciation of music, showing an eclectic and diverse taste across every genre, from classical to jazz, country to world music, and every expression of rock and roll.

A passionate sports fan, Jerry enjoyed rooting for his favorite New York teams. He was ecstatic to see the Rangers break their Stanley Cup curse, and took similar joy as the Yankees reestablished their dynasty and the Giants shocked the world with their run of improbable Super Bowl wins. His enthusiasm for Formula One racing matched his love of automotive culture and technology. He even took his own motorcycle on cross-country tours and scenic rides along the Pacific Coast Highway, the basis of some of his favorite stories.

His family remembers him as funny, clever, and sociable. While he enjoyed his work until he was eighty-years old, he always made time for his family and friends. He is very loved and will be missed greatly.

Surviving are his daughters, Portia Racasi and her husband Michael Luppino, of Brooklyn, NY, and Cassandra Fleksher and her husband Mark, of Kinnelon, NJ. In addition, he is survived by his former wife, Lynne Pappas Racasi, of Flemington, NJ and his two step-sons, Alex Pappas, of Pittstown, NJ and Christopher Pappas of Sacramento, California. Finally, he is survived by two grandchildren, Dillon and Lilah.

Arrangements and cremation services are private and under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to Stein Hospice, 354 Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873.

For further information or to send online condolences, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.