Submitted by his wife
As a 25-year veteran of the Fall River Fire Department‚ Gerry started his career as a Private assigned to Engine 7 in the ‘Flint’ section of Fall River. Anyone who knew Gerry‚ knew that his leadership ability and ambition would lead him down a career path to become a department officer. He enjoyed his job and continually strived to improve himself. In everything that he did‚ it was important to be the best that he could be – a quality that he continually demonstrated and encouraged to his children as well as those around him. In 1983‚ he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served in that capacity on Ladder 2 and Engine 3 until 1989. Gerry achieved Captain status in 1989 and was assigned to both Ladder 2 and Engine 2 until 1993. In 1993‚ Gerry achieved his lifelong dream and was promoted to District Chief assigned to District Chief ‘Car 2’.
Gerry graduated from New Bedford High School. He received an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Bristol Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science from Salem State College. He was also a Fire Instructor with the Massachusetts Fire Training Council as well as a member of the Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Team.
Gerry took pride in his carpentry skills which is reflected in the extensive home remodeling that he has done over the years. His home is truly a ‘labor of love’. He was a serious history buff and it was uncanny how he could recount history events especially about the World Wars. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the history channel. He also enjoyed the continual challenges that computer technology presented. Gerry was a fun-loving person who especially loved traveling and spending time with his wife and children at Disney World. Most of all‚ Gerry was a devoted husband and father who is sadly missed by all of his family.
I still laugh thinking about the rides at
– SueDisney… Oh yeah… And the fun you had retelling the story of how you gave a parking ticket to the Fall River mayor for having his car parked in front of a hydrant!! You loved your family … Remember you talking about standing in line for hours to get Kara the Teddy Rumpskin. Now that we are finally back home you are gone… Life is too short … Miss you.