Girard Gannotti
Waterford — Girard “Jerry” Gannotti of Waterford passed away peacefully at Backus Hospital on Sept. 25, 2021, at the age of 83. He was in the presence of his loving family in his final days. Jerry was born in New London on Oct. 8, 1937, and grew up in the Shaw Street neighborhood surrounded by extended family.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Girard and Elizabeth (Santangelo) Gannotti, as well as his brothers, Frank and Pasquale “Pat.” He is survived by his sister Anna (Gannotti) Cioci of Waterford, and his children and their spouses, Lizz (Gannotti) and Rob Rodriguez of Tampa, Fla., Joe and Mychelle Gannotti of Oklahoma City, Okla., Greg and MaryLou Gannotti of Quaker Hill, Nancy (Gannotti) and Mark Spinnato of Waterford, and Jim and Rebecca Gannotti of North Stonington. He also leaves behind his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, and his former wife, Millie.
Following his 1955 graduation from New London High School, Jerry served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He began his studies at Ventura College and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Connecticut State University and then obtained a master’s degree in art, embarking upon a long career teaching art at Montville High School. He also established a popular restaurant in New London in the 1970s and early ’80s called The Grinder King. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and his family connection to New London’s famous Italian grinder. Jerry was known for his charm, his boundless energy, his love of art, wine, Italy and golf. He was loyal to his family, friends, and was a man of faith. Jerry had the good fortune to embark upon some memorable trips to Italy and throughout the United States after his retirement from teaching. He rarely missed the Feast of San Gennaro celebration in little Italy. The beautiful paintings and drawings he created throughout the years will serve as a reminder of his artistic talent.
Special thanks to the staff of Apple Rehab in Uncasville for providing care to him in his last few years.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Avenue in New London. A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memoriam can be made to the Cactus Jack Foundation of Waterford to help those in need.