Gerald D. Antonelli, 84, of Nanticoke, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Allied Center City Skilled Nursing, Wilkes Barre.

Born January 10, 1941 in Glen Lyon, he was a son of the late Cesare and Helen Casaccia Antonelli. He graduated from Newport Township High School in 1958. He graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College and then went on to earn a Master's Degree in Science at Wilkes College. He was employed at Crestwood School District until he retired in 2001. In total he was an educator for 37 and a half years. He was a member of the Crestwood Education Association, the NEA and the Italian American Sporting Club. For many years he enjoyed tending bar at the Westmoreland Club.

Gerald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always telling jokes and stories, and had a nickname for everyone. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed gardening, fishing with his sons, and traveling with his wife and their friends.

Gerald was a member of St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Vilma, who died in infancy; brothers, Paul and Robert.

Surviving is his loving wife of 55 years, the former Anne Joyce Kerestes; son; Gerald and his wife, Kyra, and their children, Gerald and Parker; son, John and his wife, Nicole, and their children, Gianna, Gabriella, and Madelyn; sisters-in-law, Helen Antonelli, and Celeste Heilbrunn; brother-in-law, Jonathan Kerestes; nephew and godson, Jonathan Kerestes; goddaughter Lisa DiGiovanni many additional nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held, Saturday 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 667 N. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, with Rev. Peter Haenftling officiating.

Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time services begin.

The family would like to thank the staff at Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing for their compassion and care to Gerald during his time there.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gerald's memory to: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Wilkes Barre.