Gerard Quealy of Hyannis, MA, died on Friday, February 23, after a lengthy illness. Gerard (“Rardy”) died at his home in the company of his long-time partner, Pam Richards and beloved daughter, Kelly.
Gerard was born in Dorchester, MA on September 4, 1955, the fourth of six children of Vincent and Anne Quealy. He is survived by his siblings Suzanne Ward and husband Henry of Scituate, MA; Virginia Dunphy and husband Patrick of Milwaukee, WI and Scituate, MA; Vincent J. Quealy, Jr and wife Joanie of Scituate, MA; Anne M. Bartkiewicz and husband Paul of Scituate, MA; Elizabeth Saunders and husband Gray of Scituate, MA; and by former spouse, Sue Wasser of Hyannis, MA; daughter, Kelly and her beautiful young family and by his partner of many years, Pam Richards.
“Rardy”, as he was known to family and friends, was employed by On Target Utility Services for many years and worked throughout Cape Cod and Nantucket as a technician in locating underground utilities.
He spent his childhood summers, together with his brother and four sisters, in Scituate, MA and held, throughout his life, a special affection for that place and for that time and for the many enduring friendships he found there.
It was in Scituate, still home to all of his siblings, that a warm family tradition of gathering together on every Sunday morning was begun nearly fifteen years ago. It was established to ensure that the full extended family—sisters, brother, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins—might always find time to be together. It was called “Donut Sunday” and Rardy never missed. He especially enjoyed the regular and good-humored teasing among the family. It was wryly noted, for example, that while he always attended, he never bought the donuts.
The tradition of “Donut Sunday” remains today, though now held on several occasions throughout the year rather than weekly. The family all gathered for “Donut Sunday” on February 25 to toast and to celebrate Gerard’s life. We loved him.
It is expected that a more public service will be held at a later time in the Spring.
A grand Irish poet once wrote: “I’ve found that peace at end of day.” Such is our wish for Rardy.
Contributions to the American Cancer Society in Gerard’s memory may be made here via the website at: https://donate.cancer.org