Obituary: Douglas J. Geremia, 78, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Douglas J. Geremia, 78, of Wallingford, died a proud man unexpectedly but peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Linda (DiLella) Geremia for 51 years.

He was born in New Haven, CT., June 28, 1942, the son of the late Joseph P. and Margaret (Rotondo) Geremia. He graduated from Hillhouse H.S. in New Haven and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War where he served as a cook at Fort Monmouth, NJ and was still known by his family as an excellent waffle and coffee maker.

He was employed as a Foreman at Stone Safety Electric for many years.

However, Douglas’ true passion was his family and he devoted his adult life to loving his wife, raising his sons, and setting a good example for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

This was evident in his annual family vacations and his work serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America where he partook in countless hikes, camping trips, and mentoring youth leaders.

In addition, he was initiated into the brotherhood of Delta Chi Fraternity with his son, Joseph, where he participated in numerous charity events and leadership development activities. To his family and friends, Douglas was an amazing storyteller who was often known for bursting out into laughter before telling the punchline.

Our memories of him being an avid fan of nature, following the weather and news, and the creation of his front window displays for the neighborhood to enjoy, will always be held close to our hearts.

He was the best poppy, husband, dad, and best friend to all and will be sorely missed by his wife, Linda; his sons, Joseph Douglas Geremia and his wife Niki Lynn Geremia, and David Anthony Geremia and his wife Eileen Maria Scotto-Geremia; and his grandchildren, Taylor Ann Estabrook and her husband Bruce Estabrook, and Josephine Rose Geremia whom he affectionately referred to as, “The Little One”.

He is also survived by numerous in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Douglas was also known as Poppy to Toni and Troy Christ and their children Michaela and Charlie, along with Mike C. and his many other dear family and friends, too many to name but all within our hearts. Douglas’ final words were, “I love you all.”

He was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His family will receive relatives and friends at the Wallingford Funeral Home located at 809 N. Main St., Friday, January 15, from 5 to 7 pm.

The family asks that flowers be sent in Douglas’ honor to the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, at 10 am at Most Holy Trinity Church. Those celebrating his life should meet directly at the Church. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery located at 400 Christian St. in Wallingford. COVID precautions will be followed and masks are required.

For those unable to attend, the Wallingford Funeral Home will provide a Livestream of the funeral service which can be found on his online obituary page located at www.wallingfordfh.com, beginning on Saturday, 10 am.

A larger celebration of Douglas’ life will also be held for all to enjoy and honor his memory at a later date to be announced pending the status of the health crisis.