Matthew J. Cerio

Matthew J. Cerio, 48, of Camillus, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, he was a graduate of West Genesee High School. Matthew earned his associate degree from OCC and bachelor’s degree from Utica College of Syracuse. He met the love of his life, Gigi, during his time at OCC. Their shared love for The Grateful Dead, friends, and family propelled them through five years of dating, and into over 22 years of marriage. Matthew worked in medical sales for over 15 years, and he volunteered with NYPRIG. For the past seven years, he was employed with Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions. Matthew, driven by his love for his family and his passion for music, also worked many extra days and nights as a stage worker.

A man of great Catholic faith, Matthew was a communicant of Holy Family Church in Fairmount. He served as the athletic director of his parish, since 2016, and he taught a religious education class the year prior. Matthew was also a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council 4114, and he was highly active in countless service projects and events. He coached countless of his children’s sports teams of CYBA, CSBA, and WOYSA, in addition to his involvement with Cub Scout Pack 173. Matthew also played a major role with West Genesee’s Save Modified Sports initiative by organizing their benefit 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Matthew will be remembered as a man who provided the best possible example for his children and the community. His stubborn dedication to his faith and family guided him through such a busy and fulfilling lifestyle; he could never say no to someone in need. When he did get a chance to relax, Matthew loved listening to live music, visiting his beloved parents, playing basketball, snuggling with his dog Dono on his recliner, and praying the Rosary.

Matthew was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Anthony (Florence) Acquaviva; paternal grandparents, Frank (Mary) Cerio; and father-in-law, Paul Gagliardi.

Surviving are his wife of 22 years, Gennifer “Gigi”; children, Anthony, Benjamin and Elizabeth Cerio, all of Fairmount; parents, Joseph and Margaret Cerio of Camillus; sisters, Angela (Steven) Barlow of Camillus, Paula (Chris Kearney) Cerio of Syracuse and Monica (Brian Cornue) Merante of Syracuse; brother, Michael (Jennifer) of San Anselmo, CA; sister-in-law, Angee (Johann) Giraldo of Huntersville, NC; brother-in-law, Jason (Amy) Gagliardi of Elmira; nephews, Christopher (Stephanie), Nathan, Asher, Joey, Gabriel, Maximus, Liam and Thom; nieces, Lucia and Liz; and many extended family members.

Services will be private at this time. A celebration of Matthew’s life will be held at a later date. Matthew will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Food Pantry and to the Knights of Columbus.