Ronald Anthony Gerard, age 89, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Ron was born in Glen Cove, New York on May 19, 1933, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Benedict Gerard. In addition to his father, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, David Gerard, his sister, Joan Stockel, his stepdaughter Candy Tew and his stepson Ronny House.
Ron is survived by his daughters Rosanne Dickerson and husband Scott, Melanie Rivers and husband Brian, stepdaughter Karen Henn and husband Rich, along with his ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Alice Gerard, along with many nieces, nephews, and close cousins, all of whom he dearly loved.
Ron was raised in Oyster Bay, New York where he attended St. Dominick's High School and then served in the Airforce where he eventually met his future wife. Ron went on to college and received his Master's degree from the University of Miami. He married the love of his life, Hattie Jo Stephens House on August 6, 1966. They moved to Greenlawn, New York to begin their lives where they raised their five children. Ron spent his professional career teaching at SUNY Farmingdale where he was the Dean of Evening Students and taught child psychology. Ron was an avid golfer and was known for his beautiful lawns. He and his wife Hattie Jo retired to Southern Pines, North Carolina where he enjoyed golf and became an active member of the Knights of Columbus as well as St Anthony's of Padua where he was an usher. Over 20 years later, Ron and his wife moved to Wake Forest to be closer to their children and grandchildren and became a member of St Catherine's of Siena Catholic Church.
A Catholic Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine's of Siena Catholic Church on Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. in and visitation will be held on Friday, February 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Bright Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital https://www.stjude.org or to Transitions Life Care https://www.transitionsllifecare.org in his name.
The Bright Funeral Home 405 S. Main Street Wake Forest is in charge of the arrangements.
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