Obituary of Gerard F. Farry
Gerard Francis Farry, age 102, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020.
He leaves behind those who loved him most, his wife of 53 years, Helen Woll Farry; son Dr. John P. Farry, his wife Eileen; daughter Susan E. Matulewicz, her husband, Thomas; daughter Jeannette F. Shannon, her husband Michael; daughter Barbara C. Driscoll, her partner Steve; daughter Patricia A. Potter, her partner Chris; son-in-law, William R. Calabrese; Grandchildren, Colleen (Martha) Farry Gil, Briane (Robert) Lee, Kiera (Christopher) Farry, Caitrin (Peter) Matkiwsky, Tierney (Michael) Gonnello, Eily Farry, Margaret (Edward) Bove, Michael Calabrese, Jesse Shannon, Laura (Michael) Conrad, Samantha (Andrew) Driscoll, Nicole Driscoll, Jackson Potter, Daniel Potter, Matthew Potter and Katherine Potter, and 7 great grandchildren, with 1 on the way. Preceded in death by daughter MaryJean Calabrese, son Robert A. Farry, brothers, Edward, Joseph and John Farry, sister, Peggy Canuel and first wife, Rose Livolsi Farry.
Gerard “Jerry” grew up in Newark, NJ with his 4 siblings, the son of Edward Farry and Margaret Rodgers Farry. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army at Fort Momouth. After the war, he attended Rutgers University and then worked for Western Electric/Bell telephone, working his way to senior engineer. Jerry retired after 44 years of service with Western Electric/Bell/AT&T. After retirement, he worked for several years as a bookkeeper at his daughter and son in law’s pharmacy, The Prescription Counter, in South Orange, NJ. He also volunteered in various positions: scooping ice cream at a local nursing home, transport and administrative duties at a local hospital. He was an integral part of his community, participating in local organizations and groups including: The Barber Shop Quartet, Knights of Columbus, Pioneers of America, Mulberry Street Gang, Audubon Society.
He was highly admired and loved for his zest for life and positive attitude, motivating others to be their best. His passion for dancing, music, religion, current events, woodcarving and exercise was contagious. Jerry would always describe himself as a family man who loved his country. He was a kind, generous soul, who was a friend to all. His energy was boundless. Ironically, he was born into the Spanish Flu Pandemic and passed away during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please dedicate a mass service in Jerry’s name, give a memorial contribution to Franciscan Charities Inc. 355 South 6th St., Newark, NJ, 07103 (https://franciscancharitiesinc.org/donate/) or donate to your local food pantry or soup kitchen in his name. Arrangements are in the care of Miller Funeral Homes, Inc. Victor, NY.
