Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Vincent Brienza

To view the recording of the mass, please click here.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished husband and father. Jerry was born on May 5, 1943 in Yonkers, New York and spent his childhood in Hazleton, Pennsylvania before moving to Canada in 1967. He passed away in Kitchener, ON on December 30, 2025 and is survived by Olinda (Coulter) his wife of 56 years. His memory is carried on by his children Jerry (Laila Parvez), Michael (Kimberly Elworthy) and Angela (Joshua Smith) and he is remembered by his grandchildren Senna and Jonas Parvez Brienza, Elliott and Wynn Brienza and Estella and Harriet Smith.

He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna Brienza. His life is celebrated by his brother Jack (John) Brienza (Bonnie) and his sisters in law Mary Ellen Nolan (Vincent d) and Angela Holtham (Paul) as well as niece and nephews John, Elizabeth, James, Dan and Sean. 

Jerry lived a life of service - giving to his church, community, students, sports, heritage, friends and always to his family. He also shared his emotions; he never hesitated to cry and laugh with you.

In his life, Jerry gave witness to his faith. Starting each day with a prayer, he devoted his life to Catholic education as a teacher, religion consultant and religion teacher/department head at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School in Kitchener. It brought him joy to go to work each day, it was a true vocation. Outside of school he was a volunteer chaplain at Grand River Hospital for 25 years and, during retirement, worked at Erb and Good Funeral home as a funeral director’s assistant. As a founding member of Blessed Sacrament parish he did whatever needed to be done, including teaching Sunday school, lectoring or being a eucharistic minister. His favourite contribution was facilitating the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for over 25 years.

Jerry also had a passion - golf. He loved to play it, practice it, watch it on TV and read how to improve his game. His time playing golf with friends, family and even alone gave him such joy. His favourite golf partner was Olinda.

His family was a treasure to him. He loved spending time with his children - taking them to activities, practices, coaching and supporting them in whatever they wanted to do or wherever they wanted to go. 

During his long journey with Alzheimer's he depended upon the unconditional love and care of Olinda as well as family and friends. More recently, Jerry found the generous and thoughtful support and care he needed at Highview Residences; thank you to the medical and support providers, who appreciated his continued sense of humour and love of music.

Jerry had a meaningful life. He filled it with travel - Italy being his favourite destination - cheering for his Yankees, playing golf, spending time with family and friends, cooking Italian meals, always kibitzing and never losing his sense of humour.

We love you, God Bless.

Ti amo Nonno

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 305 Laurentian Dr., Kitchener, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. A reception to follow immediately in the Church Hall. Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.

For those unable to attend the funeral mass, a livestream and recording will be available on Jerry’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada or WRHN Foundation - Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program (formerly Grand River Hospital Cancer Centre) may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.