Gerald "Jerry" E. Dlouhy, 84, of South Dartmouth, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 13th, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife of 58 years Sheila Foster Dlouhy and family.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Blanche Dlouhy-Fauteux and Charles J. Dlouhy, he lived in South Dartmouth for the past 55 years.
After graduating from New Bedford High School, he served honorably as a Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Korean War. From there he went on to receive his B.A. from Brown University and an M.Ed from Bridgewater Teachers College. After teaching history and economics at New Bedford High School for several years, he became the Southeastern Regional Manager of the Massachusetts Teachers Association until his retirement.
He was a true Renaissance man – one of his great passions was painting – rarely did a day go by when he wasn’t at his easel, paintbrush in hand, hoping his son Aengus left him a Snickers bar amongst his paints. He was also very passionate about golf (was a member of the Hawthorne Country Club for over 25 years), chess, classical music, gardening, enjoying the birds in the back yard, and the ocean, especially Padanaram Harbor.
Jerry and Sheila enjoyed their extensive travel throughout the world. Also an avid reader, he never missed an opportunity to discuss politics or philosophy.
Just two weeks ago Jerry told Sheila “my greatest achievement in my life is our children ”. He is also survived by his daughter Caitlyn Dlouhy Meis (and husband Tim) of Mendham, New Jersey, his sons Brendan F. Dlouhy (and wife Susan) of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, and Aengus G. Dlouhy of South Dartmouth, as well as four grandchildren: Zachary and Erin Dlouhy, and Grace and Tess Meis.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 17th from 4-7 PM at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts, with a time of remembrance to celebrate Jerry's life beginning at 6:30 PM. Funeral will be private. Should you wish, a donation to the American Diabetes Association in Jerry’s honor would be appreciated. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.