Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Gerald T. Pupa, fondly known as “Jerry” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2025, with his devoted wife by his side.
Jerry was born in Newton, MA, on November 11, 1941, and was the dear son of the late Andrew D. Pupa and the late Elisabeth (Nordbloom) Pupa Borghetti. Jerry, along with his siblings started their early years in Newton until tragedy struck, and their father Andrew was killed in action in Germany during WWII. Elisabeth then moved the family to Wilmington when he was about 5 years old. Jerry ended up residing in Wilmington until his passing. He attended Wilmington Public Schools and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1959.
Jerry met his “sweetheart” Virginia “Ginny” Peck on a double date where the couple hit it off. The happy couple were able to celebrate 61 years of marriage after getting married in August of 1963. They made their home in Wilmington and raised four wonderful children. He was a very devoted husband, dad, and grandfather. Jerry and Ginny looked forward to their family vacations whether it was to York Beach, ME, Salisbury Beach, MA, or with friends to Ogunquit, ME. Jerry’s world became even brighter when his first grandchild, Kayla, arrived. He would take her everywhere (including Aruba)! Soon he had a total of 10 grandchildren to light up his life. “Papa” was very proud of his new “title” and role. As they all started to grow, he would attend many, many (different) sporting events, dance recitals, award ceremonies and even college graduations. He was very proud of the family he and Ginny created.
Jerry worked hard throughout his life; and prior to retirement, worked as an Electro Plater for the AVCO/Textron Company in Wilmington for many years.
Jerry was always on the go helping others and very vested in his community. In the early years, Jerry was a member of the Wilmington Knights of Columbus and a former Vice President of Wilmington Pop Warner but was most proud of his extremely active membership and longevity with the Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Lodge #2183, Sons and Daughters of Italy in Wilmington. He was a Past President (several times) of the Lodge and a long serving Board Member. Jerry had many friends through the organization and helped with many fundraisers, charitable events, or any cause to help the community. He loved helping the SOI especially with their fundraising dinners during the “Fun on the Fourth” whether it be the Chinese food dinner night or selling ice cream in the booth. Jerry always gave his time and talents to help the community and make it a better and safer place to raise a family.
Another favorite past time Jerry loved to do was travel to Aruba, enjoying the great weather and relaxing on the beach. Later he and Ginny looked forward to heading south with a large group of their SOI friends to Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida always having a great time.
Jerry will be fondly remembered as a “great guy” with a quiet demeanor and a heart of gold! He loved his family and friends unconditionally and will forever live on in their hearts. We can now happily say he not only has rejoined his family that has passed, but also is with his granddaughter Jordan.
Jerry was the beloved husband of Virginia “Ginny” (Peck) Pupa, devoted father of Dianne (Pupa) Boebel and her husband Theodore C. Boebel of Bedford, Cynthia (Pupa) Rankin and her husband John F. Rankin III of Haverhill, G. Scott Pupa of Escondido, CA, and Brian Pupa and his wife Jessica Pupa of Burlington. Loving “Papa” of Katherine “Kayla” Boebel, Marina Boebel, Elliana Boebel, John Rankin IV, Julia Rankin, the late Jordan Rankin, Matthew Pupa, Joshua Pupa, Jonathan Pupa and Emily Pupa. Dear brother of Elizabeth (Borghetti) Dillon and her late husband David of Eliot, ME, and Richard Borghetti of Lawrence. Jerry was pre-deceased by his siblings, Andrew Pupa, Bruno Anthony Pupa and his wife Phyllis, and Ronald Pupa. Jerry is further survived by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his special friends, Lucille and Doug Clark of Wilmington as well as his SOI friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, March 9th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. All are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home on Monday, March 10th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 10:30 a.m. His burial will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to Wilmington Senior Citizens Center, 130 Main Street, Wilmington, MA 01887.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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