Jerry Malmassari, our 2023 Friend of the festival
His involvement with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival started back in 1964. His family moved to Sycamore in 1963, and his father joined the Sycamore Lions Club. It was always fun for him to help with the club’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest, which is where he got his start participating in the festival.
He graduated from Sycamore High School in 1967, Illinois State University in 1971, married in 1972, joined the Lions Club in 1981, and became its president in 1986. He and his wife also had four children during this time.
Jerry served 8 terms as the Pumpkin Festival Committee President. To say the Pumpkin Festival had been a family event might be a little understated. Their daughter Julie, his brother-in-law Rick, and Rick’s daughter Jennifer had all served as presidents of the organization. Their youngest son, Joshua, also served on the Board.
He would always cherish the 36 years and the many committee members he served with. To his family, he expressed gratitude for all their support.
He truly hoped that all the not-for-profit participating groups and the community would continue to appreciate, support, and enjoy the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival as much as his family did.
From his family to all of you, he wishes a “Happy Sycamore Pumpkin Festival!”
