Gerald E. “Jerry” Ash died on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the Emeritus Assisted Living Facility in Framingham.
He was sixty-nine years old and the former band director of the Natick Public Schools for twenty-nine years.
Born and raised in Watertown, he was a 1962 graduate of Watertown High School. Mr. Ash enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served our country proudly during the Vietnam War.
After his service, he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1972 from the University of North Texas and toured with many great stars like Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Steve Lawrence, Mel Torme, Natalie Cole, Sammy Davis, Jr., Henry Mancini, Ray Charles & Elvis Presley.
Jerry worked at the Coolidge Junior High for two years, Wilson Junior High for four years and was the Symphonic Band Director at Natick High School for twenty-three years. He was awarded the Herve B. Lemaire Award for Excellence in Education in 2009 by Natick High School. Jerry enjoyed music, photography and ham radio. His call sign was N1/DGC.
He was the devoted husband of twenty years to Stella M. (McMahon) Ash. Stepfather of Jeanne L. (Doherty) O’Hearn & her husband Brian of Beverly, MA & Dianne (Doherty) Fasano & her husband Justin of Lancaster, MA. Grandfather of Sephra & Kyra Fasano. Brother of Marilyn Micklay of Mashpee, MA. Also survived by two nieces, one great niece and one great nephew.
His funeral will be held from John Everett & Sons, 4 Park St., at Natick Common on Wednesday, November 20th at 10:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Linus Church, 119 Hartford St., Natick at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4:00-7:00PM. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick with Military Honors.
Memorial donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Gerald E. Ash Scholarship Fund c/o Natick High School, 15 West St., Natick, MA 01760. For directions or to send the family a condolence, please visit www.everettfuneral.com