Loving uncle, son, brother, and friend, Generoso “Gerry” Guardia passed away at his home in Rockland, MA on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at the age of 62. While the family is incredibly sad about this unexpected loss, they are thankful for his life and the many happy memories they have of him.
Gerry was born and grew up in Panama City, Panama and moved to the United States in 1991 to be with his sister, Alba Heikkila. Gerry loved being an uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, but played an especially important role in the lives of Alba’s children, Victoria Wheeler and Alex Heikkila. He lived with their family in Florida when the kids were growing up and is credited by both Victoria and Alex as having helped shape them into the people they are today. Gerry’s bond with his nephew Alex was so strong that he moved from Florida to Massachusetts in 2007 along with Alex and was an important support system for Alex as he established himself as a local firefighter/paramedic. Gerry was also a devoted son, working two jobs to support his mother who lives in Panama.
Gerry was a happy and generous soul who was always smiling and trying to get everyone to laugh. Wherever there was music, Gerry would be dancing and his energy was so infectious that you couldn’t help but join in too. Gerry was always there when you needed him and would do anything for those he loved. He will be deeply missed.
Gerry is survived by his mother, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces. A funeral service will take place in Panama later this month with a remembrance celebration in Massachusetts to follow in August. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.