Barnard, Gerald “Gerry” (7/1/39 – 6/20/19) passed away at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, after a brief illness. Gerry was an active member of the Needham community and an important part of the Charles River Center family for many years. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, who shared his love for life with his many friends and associates. Gerry attended the Charles River Center Therapeutic Day Supports in Needham until his recent retirement. Once retired, he had even more time to spend doing the things he loved like going shopping, visiting with friends, attending parties and local events in Needham and the surrounding towns. Gerry also enjoyed spending time outdoors and in nature, taking walks around his home at Stott House, viewing and feeding the local turkeys, rabbits, deer and song birds.
Gerry also had an interest in current events, the local news and the weather channel. He would always make sure that all of his friends were kept posted on the breaking news story of the day, an upcoming event that they might like to attend, or especially the pending weather forecast and approaching storms. Gerry was “the good Samaritan” always thinking about others safety and wellbeing. His weather updates were his trademark and one way that he could make sure everyone was safe and sound.
Gerry cared deeply for his housemates and the care-givers at Charles River Center who he referred to as his friends and family members. He also had a special relationship with the CRC nursing and management team at the Charles River Center, members and participants of Therapeutic Day Supports, his guardian Barbara Jackins and his team at Newton South Norfolk DDS. Gerry was loved by all of us who were blessed to have known him. We will always remember his warm smile, sincere and eloquent remarks that highlighted each encounter. Gerry will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held for Gerry on Wednesday, July 10, in St. Joseph Church, 1382 Highland Ave. Needham, at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Golden Opportunities for Independence, www.gofidog.org .