John “Jack” J. Cerrato OBITUARY

John Joseph Cerrato (Jack) passed away on June 28, 2024, two days after his 87th birthday. He was the youngest son of Mary (Porcello) and Joseph Cerrato. Born on June 26, 1937, he was raised in Enfield, CT. Jack attended Enfield High School where he excelled in athletics including football and as a member and co-captain of the 1953/1954 championship basketball team that was inducted into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended American International College and Western New England Law School receiving a Juris Doctorate. Jack started his career as an insurance adjuster, then as an investment advisor. He then started working with Naval Intelligence (NCIS) before a long career with the US Treasury Department IRS Division. In that role, Jack was the Drug Task Force Coordinator for the East Coast working in conjunction with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Scotland Yard investigating drug criminal activity from Florida to Maine. He supervised many complex cases that created some interesting stories. After retirement from the IRS, he opened a successful law practice in Enfield. During which time he consulted and did Medical Fraud Seminars for Aetna Insurance. Jack was also an adjunct professor at Asnuntuck Community College teaching business law for over 35 years. He belonged to Suffield Country Club where he played tennis and golf. He was a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society in Enfield where he enjoyed his friendships and working at the Annual Italian Feast over several decades. Jack was also a member of the Suffield Police Commission and was instrumental in the site selection and construction of the current police station. He leaves behind to mourn his wife of 56 years, Joanne (Ucci), sons John and his wife Dr. Jennifer and daughter Giada of Mequon, WI, and Peter and his wife Carrie Downes and their daughters Elizabeth and Frances of West Hartford, CT. Jack also leaves several nieces and nephews who loved and enjoyed the times spent with him. He always gave them advice with compassion and love. Jack was predeceased by his parents, brother Joseph, in-laws Marie (MeMa) and Joseph (BeeBop) Ucci, several sisters and brothers-in-law, and nephews. Jack shared many summer vacations in Chatham, MA for over 50 years, first with his wife and sons then with his extended family, that included daughters-in-law and granddaughters. Even though he disliked the sand, he left us with many fond memories that included building sandcastles, ice cream cones, trips to Candy Manor and dancing with the family. During their marriage, Jack and Joanne made numerous life-long friends with whom they traveled to Europe, Puerto Rico, Florida and different areas of the US, always having a great time and Jack supplying everyone with many laughs. He also enjoyed his golf games and dinners at Suffield Country Club with his buddies and all the couples that he and Joanne met over the years. Jack and Joanne loved to entertain, their home was always open and everyone was welcome. Another special time for Jack was his morning coffee at Panera with friends. As his health declined, you could find Jack most mornings at his sunroom table carefully dissecting the Wall Street Journal for many hours. The past 7 years Jack faced many health challenges and now is at peace. The family would like to thank Dr. Bradley McGregor from Dana Farber, Dr. Eric Silverstein from Trinity Health, and Lisa Knoll A.P.R.N. from Prime Healthcare. The family would also like to thank Cathy Bielonko for her support and identifying appropriate aids for Jack including Amy, who made his favorite coffee cake and engaged him in endless discussions about current legal cases in the news and Roxie, who loved to challenge him to a game of cribbage. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in John’s name to support Dr. Bradley McGregor’s research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute at www.danafarber.org/give, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or by phone to 1-800-525-4669. In addition, gifts can be made to Suffield Community Aid at 450 South St. Suffield CT 06078, or Suffield Volunteer Ambulance at 205 Bridge St. Suffield, CT 06078. Visitation hours will be 3-7pm on Friday, July 12th at Browne Memorial Chapels 43 Shaker Rd, Enfield CT 06082. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am Saturday, July 13th, at St Patrick’s Church 64 Pearl St. Enfield CT 06082. Burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 1558 King St, Enfield, CT 06082. There will be a celebration of Jack’s life following the burial.