Obituary

Bruno Frank “Junior” Gerillo, 89, of Beaver Falls, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 11, 1934, he was the son of the late Italian Immigrants, Francisco and Maria (Grillo) Cirillo.

Frank was an active member and parishioner of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He resided in Florida and Georgia most of his adult life before retiring to Beaver Falls 15 years ago.  He loved his dogs, Rebel, Fluffer, Brindle, Brandy, Bandit, and Lucky.  Frank made newspaper headlines in 1960 when he received the first back-to-back heart surgery using a heart/lung bypass machine in Pennsylvania.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Sally L. (Schmitt) Gerillo; four children, Michael Gene Gerillo, Anthony Frank Gerillo, Edward Dean Gerillo, and Cathy Clark (Robert) Gerillo Green; 6 grandchildren, Nick, Tristan, Krysta, Matthew, Kari, and Ashley; 5 great-grandchildren, Kale, Kason, Wyatt, Lennox and Brantley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His home is filled with photos of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his family. He was proud of all of them and had faith in them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Francisco Sergi, Anna Shewak, Rosa Doyle, Teresa Micucci, and Vincent Gerello.  Frank was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 22^nd from 4PM to 8PM in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton.  Friends for Jesus will recite the rosary at 7:30PM.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Tuesday, January 23^rd at 9:20AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Dr., Beaver Falls, with Fr. Kim Schreck as celebrant.

In accordance with Frank’s wishes, he will be cremated following services and inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Saint Monica Angel Fund, 609 10^th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.