For Jerry F. Borrelli, teaching was more than a profession. For the longtime science teacher from Stony Brook, it was a calling, a desire to share his knowledge and help others. Even in his 80s, ill in the hospital, Borrelli tutored his grandchildren in earth science, said his daughter Betsy Borrelli, of Manhattan.

“I enjoy giving to others,” he told his daughter. “It makes me happy to share my experience, intelligence, what I learned.” Jerry F. Borrelli died April 21 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson after a long illness. He was 87. Born in 1932 to Italian immigrants Antonio Borrelli and Vittoria Ramieri, Borrelli grew up in New Rochelle, where he attended the Blessed Sacrament Church's school. He thrived in football, baseball and track and was voted best athlete his senior year, his daughter said.