It is with sadness that we announce the death of Gerard William Gehrke (Gerry), beloved husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. Born on August 18th, 1932, in Dumont, NJ, Gerry was the son of Florence Elmore Gehrke and the Elmore family. He graduated from Babylon High School and earned his Agricultural Engineering degree from Cornell University. A licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer, he worked for The Torrington Company in Connecticut for over 40 years. After serving the company in Germany as Director of Engineering for European Operations, he enjoyed his role as Chief Engineer for the company's training program before retiring with several engineering patents to his credit.
Gerry and Suzanne MacDonald were married in 1961 and celebrated their 62nd Anniversary last fall. He was blessed with four daughters and will be remembered by Gretchen Gehrke and John Baker, Stephanie and Thomas Marra, Rachel and Andrew Alexander, and Sarah and Tony Logan. He was loved by grandchildren Megan (Erik) McLeish, Tyler (Emily) Marra, Breac Baker (fiancée Dana Grass), Maille Baker, Isabel, Calle and Will Alexander, and Tré, Ryan, and Tate Logan. He is fondly remembered by Simon (Teresa) Baker, Megan Baker (James Hunger), and Katie (Cameron) Baker-Read, and their children Finn, Tilly, Henry, Ruby and Isla. Great grandchildren Caeden, Avery, and Fiona brought him sunshine and smiles up to and including the day he died.
Gerry enjoyed many hobbies. He was a farmer, caring for horses, raising pigs, sheep, chickens and tending extensive gardens at varying times of his life. Together with his wife, he reforested thousands of trees at his beloved Litchfield, CT home. There was nothing he couldn't "Gerryrig" with his tremendous architectural and construction abilities.
During retirement, he enjoyed traveling, EOMC and golf with Suzanne, as well as their life-long bridge clubs. For the last nine years Gerry and Suzanne lived with the Logans in Medway, Massachusetts, where he could be found surrounded by family and his yellow lab, enjoying the comings and goings at the "Crow's Nest" and "Pebble Beach."
A deeply generous person, Gerry provided an outstanding example of caring for his family through his unwavering, lifelong commitment to his mother, mother-in-law and the entire family. Additionally, one of his greatest gifts to his family was the purchase of the cottage at Hog Island, RI, where abundant family memories were made and where the family will continue to gather and celebrate his legacy.
A private remembrance was held by the family this weekend.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home. Medway (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).