Gerard S. "Jerry" Lucarelli, 74, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, in Jefferson Hospital. Born Dec. 6, 1941, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Louis and Harriet (Novak) Lucarelli. A member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Township, Jerry graduated from Carrick High School, from which he received a Distinguished Alumni Award, received his bachelor's degree from West Liberty University and his master's degree from Duquesne University. Jerry was an Army veteran, having served in the 8th Division of the Third Army Band in Germany, even playing onsite at President Kennedy's famous "Ich Bin EinBerliner" speech. After his service, he stayed active professionally in music, working as a music teacher for both Keystone Oaks and Clairton School Districts, serving as musical director for four area churches, and even playing with his brother, Louis, in the Lucarelli Brothers Band. For his talents, Jerry was inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Society's Hall of Fame and received an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He also was an accomplished equestrian, winning with his horse, Shawnee Heart, and using this activity, most importantly, to spend time with his grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his wife, Sally (Medvidovich) Muro Lucarelli, whom he wed in 2001; his son, Gerard S. (Karen) Lucarelli Jr., of McDonald; his grandchildren, Anna Lee and Gerard K. Lucarelli; his brother, Louis (Joanne) Lucarelli, of Bethel Park; his niece, Tricia Turner; and his nephews, Stephen and Michael Lucarelli.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, and from noon to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in the A.J. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 555 5th St., Clairton, PA 15025, 412-233-5700. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in St. Michael Church, with Father Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Procession and burial will follow to St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton.
Memorial contributions in Jerry's name should be made to the Relay For Life of the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. www.bekvacfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pittsburgh Tribune Review on Nov. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerard Lucarelli

Sponsored by A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home - Clairton.

20 Entries

Mary Ellen MacPherson

November 24, 2020

I still thank God for giving me the opportunity to work with and learn from Mr. Lucarelli, a true maestro.
God bless him and his family.

January 10, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Isiah 26:19)

September 24, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Isiah 26:19)

January 13, 2018

God is good and merciful, he keep those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. Psalms 116:15.

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July 31, 2017

I wish to express my deepest sympathy for the great loss of your beloved Gerard. May the God of all comfort be with you and give you a call you strength during this most difficult time.

Alice Hradisky

December 4, 2016

Sorry to hear about Gerry, he was a special person and enjoyed his music.

Mary Ellen MacPherson

December 4, 2016

Jerry and I worked together in the Music Department of Dormont Elementary School for many years. He was an outstanding musician, teacher and friend. He was an award winning jazz composer who enriched the lives of thousands of children and adults. He retired from teaching a few years before me and I missed working with him and learning from him for the last several years before I retired. I want to extend my condolences to Sally, his son and daughter-in-law and the grandchild he adored. One of his retirement gifts from the Dormont faculty was a new bridle for his treasured horse. Jerry lead an adventurous life and will long be remembered.

December 3, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry's family. I am retired from KOSD and will
always remember his fun sense of humor.

a loved one

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Lori Dobos

December 1, 2016

To the Family,

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Lucarelli. He was a truly gifted musician but above all he had a genuine love of children. The Keystone Oaks Community was blessed to have had him teaching our children. Sending prayers and condolences during this difficult time.

The Dobos Family

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Jen & Bob Stevens

December 1, 2016

My husband Bob and I feel very fortunate to have known Jerry, a wonderful man and musician. He truly was well respected by his peers. We always enjoyed his performances and will cherish those memories forever.
Jen and Bob Stevens

Kalla Brinkley

December 1, 2016

So sad to hear about the loss of Mr. Lucarelli. He was my elementary music teacher, and the man who taught me to love playing in a band, and how to play mallet percussion. 20 years later, I'm still playing, thanks to the wonderful foundation he instilled in me. Rest In Peace.

Ken Karsh

November 30, 2016

My deepest sympathies. What a wonderful man who lived a well lived life!

Darlene Ashley

November 30, 2016

I'm sad to hear that Jerry passed away at such a relatively young age. I was previously married to his brother Louis, and always enjoyed Jerry's positive energy. I'm now live in Central Oregon.

My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy go with his family in the coming days. I hope memories of happier times will bring comfort.

Patricia Howard

November 30, 2016

Deepest sympathy to the Lucarelli family. Enjoyed many conversations with Jerry in the office of Keystone Oaks. May he rest in peace

Kathy Cummins

November 30, 2016

So very sorry for the loss of Jerry. My son's had him at Dormont Elementary. They continued with music thru middle school and high school. Fond memories

Patty Peterson

November 30, 2016

I only had the opportunity to work with Jerry for a few short years. His wit and sarcasm always made me smile. I enjoyed hearing tales of The Headless Horseman riding through South Park.

Darlene Tchirkow

November 30, 2016

Our hearts are broken. Jerry will be most remembered as being a true gentleman, by his musical talents, and so kind and generous to our family, in all ways. My condolences to Sally, his son Jerry Jr., and his grandchildren, and Lou and Joanne. I am so upset by his passing, may he rest in peace. Love, Darlene

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Dec

Mass of Christian Burial

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Dec

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St. Clare Cemetery

Clairton, PA

Funeral services provided by:

A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home - Clairton

555 Fifth St, Clairton, PA 15025

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Gerard S. Lucarelli

BORN