Rochester, NY – April 3, 2023 at age 90. Gerald is predeceased by his wife of 26 years and love of his life Shirley Anne (Dillenbeck). He is survived by sons Eric (Jennifer) of Clemmons, NC and Kurt (Mary Jane) of Saratoga Springs, NY; grandchildren Megan & Lindsey and Joey & Sofia. He is also survived by his brother Donald & family.
Gerald grew up in Rochester on Seneca Parkway and attended John Marshall High School. He was a veteran in the United States Coast Guard from 1952 – 1956. He attended bootcamp at Cape May, NJ and had all of his assignments as a motor mechanic on Long Island, NY life boat stations that included Moriches, Shinnecock, Ditch Plains & Montauk. After military service Gerald graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He worked at Rochester Manufacturing, General Motors Rochester Products division and taught business and special education in the Rochester City School District. He loved his special education students and shared endearing stories of them for decades. Gerald spent all of his summers on the waters of Sodus Bay at the family cottage. He loved his many golden retrievers, extensive toy train collection and cherished his close friends including special neighbors on ‘the loop’ in Sodus Point, NY.
He will be interred on 4/6/2023 in Rochester at Riverside Cemetery after a private memorial service.
Please send donations to benefit Silver Waters Community Ambulance Service, Inc. PO Box 159, Sodus Point, New York 14555.
Our drive around the loop will never be the same. Jim so enjoyed stopping to talk to Jerry about boats. Plus, they reminisced about their college days at Robert’s. Oh, the stories they shared. Jerry will be greatly missed.
Donna and Jim
Sending my deepest sympathy to my cousins..I will always cherish my memories of spending summers at the cottage with everyone. Especially everytime uncle Jerry would take me out for a boat ride….
My deepest sympathies to Kurt and Eric and their families. I met Jerry when I bought a train transformer back in 1981 . I would have never believed that it started a close friendship that lasted over 40 years. We spent so many enjoyable hours over the next 4 decades going to car shows, train meets and just talking. He influenced me in many ways . I will forever miss my dear friend. Rest in peace Jerry !
Ron and Pat Vella
Walking the loop everyday for many years, I was lucky enough to meet Gerry and Lassie perhaps 15-16 years back. We became friends and always looked for them on my daily routine. Gerry was funny, kind,and so loved his goldens- I only knew Lassie and recently Tina but we both loved the breed. While we did not solve the world’s problems, I always left both with a smile and gratitude for a friendship I now miss. I walked today, and met Eric who was kind enough to tell me of his Dad’s death.Great conversation with Eric and some laughs about his Dad’s love of the Point and retrievers. I will miss our waves, walk, and the dogs. He was both a very nice man who was also quite a character. Condolences to all his remaining family -so glad the home will stay in the family.