Obituary of Jerry J. DeMaria

Jerry J. “Harpo” DeMaria, 68, of Woodrow Rd. has gone to his eternal rest on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019.

Born on May 19th, 1950, in Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Dominic DeMaria and Stella Glavaris. Jerry was raised in Pittsburg, California during his early years. He relocated to Amsterdam, NY, with his family when he was in his early teens. He was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School Class of 1968. Later that year, on August 30th, 1968 Jerry bravely enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving our country during the Vietnam War and earning his honorable discharge in February of 1970. Jerry was employed for many years at Longview Fiber/Georgia Pacific. He was also a former bartender at J.D.R Lounge, a job that he very much enjoyed, being the people person that he was. He loved to play sports growing up, particularly football. He was an avid New York Giants and New York Yankees fan. Jerry enjoyed playing billiards; he played for a league for many years alongside his longtime companion Holly Scott. Good food, good music, and good company were a favorite for Jerry who had a larger than life personality. His constant smile, laughter, and good nature allowed him to make friends and strike up good conversation where ever he went. He loved to go camping and spend time with his family.

Jerry is survived by his longtime companion Holly Scott; his former wife whom he shared children with, Janet Horton DeMaria; his daughters, Angela Michele (Tony) Bargas-Sluder, Jocelyn (R.J) Barone, Jessie DeMaria (Ron Warner), Jenna DeMaria, and Jamie DeMaria (Matthew Chen); his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Bakka”, Tony Bargas, Jeremy “Buzzy” Purtell, Kyleigh Warner, Mia Barone, Derek Barone, and Layla Barone, and his fur companion and service cat whom he adored, Patches. Jerry is predeceased by his parents, his brothers, John DePhillips, Anthony DeMaria, and Michael DeMaria; his sister and brother in law, Teresa and Bruce Bottisti. Many more loving family and close friends also survive.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, March 9th, 2019 from 11am -1pm at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY. A Memorial Service will immediately follow the visitation at 1pm at the funeral home where a special Legacy Candle Ceremony and Military Honors will take place. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online Memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.