Gennaro “Jerry” Raso, 84, of Holmdel and Loveladies, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, October 7, 2010 . Born in Paterson, Jerry proudly served his country aboard the USS PLEDGE, a minesweeper operating in the Pacific theater during World War II. He remained so proud of his country and his service that he became a lifetime member of the Holmdel VFW 5918 after moving to Holmdel in 1994. He received his bachelors degree in Chemistry from Philadelphia University and his M. S. in Industrial Engineeering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Jerry had a long business career including many years with Keuffel and Esser Company and culminating in founding J&J Reproduction and Drafting Supplies, Columbia, Maryland. But most of all, Jerry enjoyed being with his wife and family. His happiest times were spent at his home in Loveladies Harbor surrounded by his children, grandchildren, family and friends. With his great sense of humor, he was much adored by his family and friends. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Carlo and Ermelinda Raso and his brothers, Dr. Joseph Raso and Carl Raso. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Christine Capozzoli Raso; his sister, Anne Miller; his four children and their spouses: Melinda Raso and her husband, Philip Kirstein; Dr. Carl Raso and his wife, Joan; Dr. Louis Raso and his wife, Ellen; and Adele and her husband, Herman Raspe; and his nine grandchildren: Harrell, Jeremiah, Alix, Joseph, Peter, Marielle, Carly, Christopher, and Christine. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to International Rett Syndrome Foundation, 4600 Devitt Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45246.