Obituary of Jerry Baresich

Jerry Baresich - A life well lived - February 7, 1965 - October 6, 2024

Jerry Baresich, affectionately known as “Jer” or “Big Jer” lived a beautiful life. 

He was born February 7, 1965, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Svetka and Ante Baresich, his loving parents. 

He attended Paramus Catholic High School and went on to graduate from The George Washington University with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Engineering. George Washington University was the start of many lifelong friendships and also where he met his wife, Noelle who he has showered with love and laughter for the last thirty years . 

Jerry was a magnetic force who drew people to him with his humor; if you were around Jerry, you were guaranteed a laugh. He loved to entertain the group but preferred to keep his orbit small. Jerry was a dedicated father, and his sons, Jake, Max, and Trey were his world and the center of his universe. He loved them and the rest of his family fiercely. Jerry’s sister, Nancy, and her husband, Nick (who Jerry considered a brother) were constant companions to Jerry and he would not have had it any other way. His sister-in-law, Holly was the younger sister who completed his inner circle.  He loved his nieces and nephews, Tyler and Alexandra Zanki, and Luke and Peyton Benedict as his own. Jerry was continually surrounded by parental love and support from both his mother Svetka Baresich and mother-in-law, Susan Steinman until his passing.

As a late-in-life dog lover, Jerry’s most preferred companion may have been his dog, Stella who gave him tremendous joy and comfort.

Jerry was a steadfast sports enthusiast who loved fantasy baseball and football, the Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Yankees (even when they disappointed him). Jerry’s love of Jimmy Buffet’s music was more than a music preference, it spoke to the life he loved best… flip-flops and boat drinks near the water somewhere, surrounded by the people he loved.

He was a committed volunteer within the youth hockey community and devoted many years of service to the Montclair Blues and Montville Township High School Ice Hockey Association. Jerry was passionate in his commitment to these organizations and his efforts benefitted countless youth hockey players.

Jerry is predeceased by his father, Ante Baresich, father-in-law, Harry Steinman, and nephew, Owen Benedict. He is survived not only by his family but by many friends that he viewed as family.  Jerry's passing will leave a void for many and he will be missed immensely. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jerry’s memory to LilyCare Hospice, Florham Park, New Jersey (LilyCare Hospice) or Zerocancer.org (https://zerocancer.org/) whose mission is to end prostate cancer and help all of those who are impacted by it.

Visiting for Jerry will be held on Wednesday October 9, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Dangler Lewis & Carey Funeral Home, 312 West Main Street in Boonton. 

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday October 10,2024 at 11:00 AM at St.  Pius X Roman Catholic Church,24 Changebridge Road in Montville.