Marlborough – Jeronimo “Jerry” F. Morales, 90, of Marlboro, died on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester after enduring a years-long fight with cancer.
Jerry was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Jeronimo and Francisca (Sierra) Morales and moved with his family to New York City in his late teens.
Not long after his arrival in NYC, Jerry chose to enlist in the U.S. Army and became a medical laboratory specialist whose targeted training in chemistry and bloodwork became the focus of his 20 years of service in Army hospitals. Among the highlights of Jerry’s military service was his claim to have drawn the blood of the legendary Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Hawaii in the 1950s and to have ended his military career where he wanted his children to get their education – in Massachusetts. Jerry’s Army service included postings in many U.S. states, and Panama and Germany. He received numerous military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and five Good Conduct medals. He retired honorably from the Army in 1968.
One of Jerry’s first Army assignments took him to Albuquerque, N.M., where he met his life partner of 66 years, Maria O. Perez. The couple became tireless travelers, taking in attractions, parks and vacation hotspots of many U.S. states, Mexico, Panama, and Europe. Jerry’s lifelong passions of thoroughbred horse racing and the N.Y. Yankees were also instilled and shared with family and became targeted destinations to take in the sports in myriad locales. Jerry became a true thoroughbred racing handicapper whose winnings were always generously shared with family.
Jerry loved and embraced God and his Catholic church, and also loved music, dancing, cooking (his expert grillwork with steaks and other meats and his original recipes for soups were relished by family and friends), and especially spending time with his grandchildren Maya, Reina, Olivia and Carlos Jr. Jerry was a selfless man who cared deeply about the comfort and care of others, and was quick to dole out compliments and words of encouragement to all who were near and dear to him. He would always end his compliments and encouragements with, “So, how’s that?” As Jerry’s time grew shorter, he would often say, “It’s in God’s hands now.” All who knew Jerry could see his love, acceptance, faith and peace with God.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Rebeca; two sons, Eduardo, Carlos and his wife Nicole; four grandchildren, Maya, Reina, Olivia, Carlos Jr; his sister, Mercedes Negron and several nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Maria who died in November, 2019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect Street, Marlboro. Burial will follow in the family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlboro.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Jerry’s name to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd, suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
