Rev. Gennaro "Jerry" Sesto, S.D.B.

Rev. Gennaro "Jerry" Sesto, S.D.B. August 1, 1921 January 15, 2016 Reverend Gennaro 'Jerry' Sesto, S.D.B., a member of the Salesian Community of Don Bosco, passed away at the age 94, on January 15, 2016, at Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River, N.J. Jerry Sesto was born in Biddeford on August 1, 1921, to Mary and Thomas Sesto, and subsequently raised in Portland. Becoming enamored with Saint John Bosco at the time of his canonization in 1934, he entered Don Bosco Seminary in Newton, N.J. in 1935. He was impressed by a mural in the seminary chapel that quoted St. John Bosco: "I promise you bread, work, and paradise." Completing both high school and college at the seminary, he graduated in 1943 and then taught for three years at Salesian High School in New Rochelle, N.Y. In 1946 Brother Sesto was sent to Turin, Italy for theological studies where he earned an STL and was ordained a priest in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians on July 2, 1950. He remained in Turin after his ordination to study canon law, completing his JCL in 1952. He continued his canonical studies at the Catholic University of America, earning a JCD in 1956. Fr. Sesto was a respected professor of canon law at the PAS in Turin (1955-1957) and Rome (1957-1963). He was admitted as an advocate/procurator before the Sacred Roman Rota in 1960, entitled to practice Church law anywhere in the world. Fr. Sesto returned to the U.S. in 1963 to serve as Director and President of Don Bosco College Seminary in Newton, N.J. In 1967, he went to the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio to teach canon law, where he also served for a time as dean of students (1968-1970) and associate academic dean (1970-1981). He was a popular and highly regarded professor. After 14 years in Ohio, Fr. Sesto was named director of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J. (1981-1987). He was beloved by students and their families for his genuine kindness and joyful optimism. For two years he returned to seminary formation work in Newton before being appointed Provincial Secretary of the Eastern US Province of Salesians headquartered in New Rochelle, N.Y. At the same time, he coordinated the Salesian Lay Missioner program, recruiting and assigning young adult volunteers to mission work with poor children in various countries around the world. Fr. Sesto took up the role of coordinator of the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, N.Y. in 1995, where he was well regarded for his warm welcome of pilgrims and his deep spirituality. In 2003, he was assigned to St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Elizabeth, N.J., to serve the Italian apostolate in the area. His friendliness won over all. He remained there until declining health compelled his return to Don Bosco Prep in 2013, where he maintained a lively interest in student activities and rendered pastoral assistance when he could. Fr. Sesto once wrote, "I've experienced daily the love and kindness of the Lord." Those who knew him attest that they felt this same love and kindness of God through him. Fr. Sesto was predeceased by his brothers Pat, Anthony and Francis, along with his sister Mary Ferrucci. He is survived by his Salesian Community of Don Bosco Prep, his three sisters Lucy Burke of Portland, Ann Gribbin of Portland, Virginia LaCroix of Yarmouth, and his brother Thomas of Germany; along with many nieces and nephews. A wake for Fr. Sesto was held in the chapel of Don Bosco Prep on Monday, Jan. 18. A Funeral Mass was celebrated by the school community on Tuesday, January 19 in the gymnasium. Burial took place in the Salesian Cemetery in Goshen, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 72 Federal St. Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fr. Jerry Sesto Scholarship Fund at Don Bosco Prepatory High School, 492 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

Rev. Gennaro "Jerry" Sesto, S.D.B.

August 1, 1921 - January 15, 2016

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