Tags Posts tagged with "Obituary"

Obituary

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Suzanne Marie Berran

Suzanne Marie Berran of Vero Beach was born Dec. 19, 1927 in Kendallville, Indiana and died peacefully with her loving family at her side on Jan. 21, 2025 at the age of 97 in Vero Beach, Florida. She was the daughter of Harry and Rosa Culbertson. She moved with her family at the age of three to Manhasset where she was raised with her two younger sisters, Joanne and Rosemary. Upon graduation from Manhasset High School she pursued her interest in fashion art at the Art Students League in New York City where she met her husband, Robert Berran. They married in 1952 and moved to Stony Brook where they raised their family before moving to Vero Beach, Florida in 2004. 

Berran and her husband had three children, Kathryn, Kristine and Scott; three grandchildren, Kathryn, Eddie and Irene.

Berran was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Berran. Both were devoted members of Setauket Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.

A private family service will be held at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory and private burial will be in Port Washington, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donatetoday

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfamily.com

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Gerald R. Zlotkowski

Gerald R. Zlotkowski was born on April 1, 1970 in Canada, and was adopted by his loving parents Robert and Betty Zlotkowski in New York.  He graduated from Ward Melville High School in Setauket in 1988.  He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from Farmingdale State College in 1993 and worked at several funeral homes on Long Island. Zlotkowski’s belief in never letting age stop you from learning led him to go back to school at multiple points in his life. 

Zlotkowski also worked as a devoted firefighter, dispatcher and rescue EMT for several fire departments on Long Island, including West Sayville, Nesconset, Smithtown and Setauket.  Zlotkowski loved helping and being involved in his community.  He was the kind of person who always held out a helping hand for anyone who needed it.  Zlotkowski was a hero to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Zlotkowski was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time hunting and at the gun range. His passion for firearms led him to become the owner and founder of Dakota Defense inn Aberdeen, South Dakota.  His love for law enforcement brought him to Ashley, North Dakota to pursue a career as an Assistant Deputy Sheriff.

Zlotkowski went on to a career as a conductor and engineer with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway based out of Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he worked until his passing.  He was proud to serve the SMART-TD Local 233 Railroad Union as a past president as well as a secretary and treasurer up until his passing.

On October 5, 2006, his world changed greatly with the birth of his son, Gunner. Zlotkowski loved his son greatly and spent time with him whenever he could.  He passed on to Gunner his love of firearms and they enjoyed going hunting together. 

Gerald Zlotkowski is survived by his son, Gunner; sister, Susan Brocato; and numerous family and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents.

A celebration of life will take place at the Setauket Firehouse, 190 Main Street, Setauket on March 23 at 1 p.m.

By Steven Zaitz

John DeMartini, an educator in the Northport School district for more than half a century, has died at the age of 81. 

Larger than life, yet at the same time unassuming, DeMar, as he was known to everyone in his orbit, was a physical education teacher and Northport High School head baseball coach from the mid 1980s to 2018, won 350-plus games as Tiger skipper, but more importantly enriched the lives of countless students, families and fellow faculty over the course of his 57 year career.

Born in the Bronx, DeMartini moved to Westbury as a boy and attended W.T Clarke High School and then Adelphi University, where he was pitcher and an outfielder on the Panthers baseball team. In 1966, he became a teacher and basketball coach in the Northport-East Northport School District, taking over as Tiger head baseball coach in 1985; a position he held for 33 years until an issue with his heart required him to take an extended leave of absence.

Sean Lynch, an assistant coach at that time and one DeMar’s best friends, took over the team in 2019 as DeMartini recovered from his illness. The two men shared an office for 25 years.

“The most important thing that John took pride in, is the many great relationships that he built over the years and the impact that he had on so many lives,” Lynch said. His love for the kids and the people he touched so positively were always the most important thing to John over wins and losses, and I think that’s truly what his legacy is and will always be.”

One of those kids is NHS Class of 2019 Trent Mayer, who has recently begun a career in education as a teacher in the Franklin Square School District. He also serves as both the Northport Junior Varsity Boys volleyball and baseball coach.

“As I begin my journey as a physical education teacher and coach, I carry with me the invaluable lessons DeMar taught me,” said Mayer. “He always emphasized the importance of being myself and connecting with students. His last words to me were ‘kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’ This has become my guiding principle. I aim to create a supportive environment where students feel valued and inspired and DeMar’s mentorship has shaped not just my career, but my outlook on life. I am grateful for his guidance and proud to continue his legacy.”

DeMartini’s legacy is multi-generational, as current Northport Baseball Booster Club president and baseball mom Noelle Hardick, Class of 1992, can attest. Her eldest son Thomas was the Tigers’ starting second baseman in 2024 and he graduated last spring. Michael Hardick, an outfielder, will graduate in 2026 and both Hardick boys started playing in summer baseball camps led by DeMartini when they were 5 years old

“Coach DeMartini has and always will be the heart and the face of Northport baseball,” Mrs. Hardick said. “He was the coach when I was a student there and was a huge part of not only the baseball team, but the whole school and community. Everyone in the Northport community knows DeMar. That’s something really special and it’s something that you can’t fake or make up. He was the most genuine, loving, kind and selfless person.”

One of DeMartini’s longest relationships was with legendary girls basketball coach Rich Castellano, who has over 750 wins in his career, many of which were witnessed by DeMartini, who was often perched behind the visiting team’s bench to watch Castellano’s girls do their thing.

The two men met in 1976 and quickly became close friends. In recent years, they were often spotted riding around the Northport campus in golf carts, ostensibly to monitor practices and games, but more often to spread good cheer to other student-athletes or anyone lucky enough to cross the path of their cart.

“I promised him that nobody is going to take his name of that golf cart,” an emotional Castellano said. “John’s heart was always with kids and his team, and he was just a good friend that way. The kids loved him for it. He was like a kindly grandfather to these kids and had a huge following. We all saw that when we dedicated the field to him and so many kids, event ones that graduated, made it back for that ceremony to celebrate not just the field-naming, but to celebrate the man.”

On a sunny Saturday morning in September of 2021, the NHS baseball field was named in DeMartini’s honor. Tiger baseball stars past and present came to the ceremony to reminisce, embrace DeMar and shake his hand, and then see his name across the top of the scoreboard in big block letters. 

Rows and rows of folding chairs were spread across the infield for family and VIPs as hundreds of students, parents and faculty cued both the foul lines from home plate to the outfield. Northport Athletic Director Marc Dantuano spoke, as did fellow coaches Jim DeRosa, Lynch and Castellano, along with a few former Tiger players. 

DeMar, the final speaker of the morning, was moved to tears as he finished his speech. As he stepped down from the podium, he doffed his cap to the crowd of close to 1,000.

“It’s always been his field,” said Lynch. “That ceremony just made it official. It was a great day.”

Class of 2023 grad John Dwyer, who played first base and catcher for Northport and is now playing baseball at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was at that ceremony. When the coach returned from his heart issue in 2019, he became the Tiger pitching coach and thus, he and Dwyer, along with the pitching staff, would spend a lot of time together trying to gameplan a way to get opposing hitters out.

“Coach DeMar was such a kind and extremely dedicated man, who put a tremendous amount of time and energy into the baseball program, the school, and the community as a whole,” Dwyer said. “He really cared about each person he encountered and looked to put a smile on their face with his great sense of humor.  He impacted so many people over the years and we’re all going to miss him a lot.”

One of the last conversations Lynch had with DeMartini was a few days before he passed. DeMar had developed a succession of ailments and did not fully disclose how serious they were, as he did not want anyone to worry. 

At the time, Lynch did not realize it would be their last conversation.

“My phone created a memory that day of a photo of DeMar and me, so I texted it to him. I thought it would raise his spirits,“ Lynch recounted. “As the conversation went on, he told me that he wasn’t sure that he would be able to get back this year to help out with the baseball team. He then said ‘Just make sure nobody forgets about me.’ I thought he was speaking in the context of this season, so I assured him that nobody was going to forget about him, and I told him that he would soon be back out there on his field where he belongs. That was the last conversation we had.”

Demar may no longer set foot on his namesake field, or sit in the dugout, or make a trip to the mound to give his pitcher an encouraging pat on the behind, but his legacy and impact on the Northport community will never fade from it.

John is survived by his sister, Lynn McDonald, and her husband, Stephen McDonald, along with his nephew Justin McDonald and his family, Erica (wife), Chloe (daughter), and Harper (daughter). In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you can make a donation to the Northport High School Baseball Booster Club, 9 Tanager Lane, Northport, NY 11768 – Checks should be made out to NHS Baseball Booster Club and in the memo line please write DeMar.

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John Charles Pomeroy

Prepared by Zara Miller

Dr. John Charles Pomeroy, a pioneering child psychiatrist, husband, father and grandfather, died with family at his bedside on Jan. 12 following complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was 74. 

Born in London on March 24, 1950, Pomeroy was raised in the suburbs of England and the United Kingdom’s capital city, where his mother’s emphasis on education shaped his future. He graduated from St. Mary’s Medical School at the University of London in 1973 and began his medical career as a junior doctor in Gibraltar and London. His early work sparked an interest in psychiatry, particularly child psychiatry, which was still an emerging field at the time. This led him to the University of Iowa and later Cornell University, before he moved to Stony Brook University in the 1980s, as the first child psychiatrist for the hospital.  

As one of the founding members of Stony Brook’s Child Psychiatry Department, Pomeroy made groundbreaking contributions to autism research, notably including seminal studies on Asperger’s Syndrome and became Director of Outpatient Clinic in the Division of Child and Adolescent psychiatry. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, which opened in 2001 with a donation by Matt and Debra Cody. Under his leadership, the center became a resource for families and children on the autism spectrum and has since become a part of the Department of Pediatrics at Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital.

Pomeroy authored more than 70 articles, abstracts, and book chapters on autism and was an associate professor in his field. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field. His career was marked by dedication to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions as well as helping their families.

Outside of his professional work, Pomeroy was a lover of music, travel, sports and the arts. He enjoyed everything from opera and ballet to scuba diving to playing tennis and hiking. An avid reader, especially of non-fiction, he was also a fan of soccer, particularly Chelsea FC in England. He loved to travel and immerse himself in other cultures. Pomeroy was known to friends and associates for his dry wit, intelligence and disarmingly humble presence.

Pomeroy is survived by his wife, Julia; children, Zara and Jonathan; son-in-law, John; and grandchildren, Sienna and Isla. He is also survived by his sister, Jackie.

A memorial service will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Bryant Funeral Home in Setauket. Friends and colleagues are invited to speak at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

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Robert Higgins

Robert “Bob” Higgins passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Jan. 4, 2025. He was 89.

Higgins was born to John and Mabel Higgins on April 2, 1935. He and his eight siblings were raised in Yonkers.

He attended Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers and graduated from Fordham University in 1959. It was there he met his beloved wife, Joan, whom he was married to for 60 years. He is now reunited with her in eternal rest. He will be greatly missed by his children, Laura, Brian, and Jeanine; his grandchildren Brian and Tyler Lombardi; and his siblings Mary, Joe, and Margaret. He was predeceased by his siblings John, Catherine, Nora, and Alice.

Higgins’ 89 years were well-lived and hard-working. He spent over 30 years working for Equitable Life Insurance in New York City, as well as several years with Cigna and New York Life before retiring. He rode the Long Island Railroad every day and often spoke of the friendships he had forged with fellow commuters. He regularly met several of them for lunch long after his retirement.

He served 40 years in the United States Navy Reserve, achieving the rank of commander before retiring in 1995. In 1973, he was briefly called into active duty for Operation Homecoming, where he debriefed prisoner of war repatriates following the Vietnam War.

Following his duty, he was recommended for a promotion. He was a true patriot with a generous heart.

Higgins enjoyed traveling with his family and friends and often took cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and did research to locate relatives from his family tree in Ireland, traveling abroad to meet many of them. He applied for and was approved for Irish citizenship.

He enjoyed playing golf with his neighborhood buddies, loved a good lobster or steak dinner, and frequently asked to visit Orem’s Diner or treat his grandsons to hibachi.He never wanted anyone to worry about him, always asked if you needed any money and was sure you would hit traffic, wherever you were headed, no matter the time of day. He was a quintessential sports couch potato—if there was a game on TV, he was watching it. A die-hard Jets fan, he was a season-ticket holder for over 60 years. It was his family’s dream to see a Super Bowl win alongside him.

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Eric Botticelli

Prepared by the Botticelli family

On Dec. 17, 2024, Eric Botticelli died. He was a son, brother, friend, musician, and a brilliant mind.

Eric’s flame burned out far too soon, leaving his loved ones with hearts heavy with sorrow but also overflowing with love and gratitude for the time they shared with him. Eric was born on Sept. 22, 1984, and from the moment he entered the world, it was clear he was something special. Even as a young child, he had a sensitivity and curiosity that set him apart. He saw beauty in the smallest things. On walks through a park as a young boy, he would often stop to pick tiny flowers for his mother, a gesture that captured the depth of his kindness and thoughtfulness.

Music was a defining part of Eric’s life. Just before his third birthday, he began playing the violin at the local Suzuki School. His love for music grew alongside him as he progressed from performances in grade school concerts to joining the NYU Orchestra in 2002.

To watch Eric play the violin was to witness the purest form of expression. It wasn’t just notes on a page; it was a glimpse into his soul. Eric’s talents didn’t stop there. Academically, he was a force to be reckoned with: He excelled in mathematics and science and earned a full scholarship to New York University as a computer science major.

However, Eric was never one to be confined to a single path. He had a deep appreciation for the arts. Literature, music, and painting enriched his world just as much as equations and algorithms. Eric was a man of contrasts and harmony. He was as analytical as he was creative, as logical as he was tenderhearted. He left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, whether through his music, his intellect, or his gentle spirit.

Today, his friends and family grieve his sudden passing but also celebrate the life he lived—a life that was vibrant, meaningful, and beautiful. His loved ones find solace in memories of Eric: his bright eyes, his music, his laughter, and the countless ways he touched their lives.

Eric is survived by his parents, Paul and Louise Botticelli; his brothers, Damon and Brian; his three nephews, Axel, Hiro, and Nathan; and his niece, Ella.

If you would like to share your memories, thoughts, feelings, or pictures of Eric on a Kudoboard, please send a request to 631-987-4817, and a link will be sent back to you. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday,  Jan. 18, 2025, at 2 p.m.  at the Setauket Presbyterian Church located at 5 Caroline Ave., East Setauket.

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Audra Weiss

Prepared by the Weiss family

Audra Weiss, 57, a resident of Mill Valley, California, passed away on Dec. 31, 2024, with her husband and children by her side. The wife of Jim Weiss and mother of Ethan, 23, and Emily, 20, Audra was a quiet yet powerful force who walked through life exuding grace, strength and class.

As the matriarch and CEO of the Weiss family, Audra will be sorely missed by family, friends, neighbors and her community at large. She was a devoted “Mama Bear,” loyal friend and passionate advocate for those who suffered, especially those living with cancer.

Born and raised in Coram, New York, Audra graduated from the Whitman School at Syracuse University and forged a career in healthcare communications. She met her husband Jim through a mutual friend and found they had been living parallel lives. He also went to Syracuse and worked in the same field, but they had never met. Like When Harry Met Sally, they built a strong friendship that led to an unbreakably strong marriage of nearly 25 years.

She knew from the start that she would happily trade in her stellar professional career for a lifelong role in motherhood. She welcomed Ethan and Emily into the world and devoted herself to her calling.

Audra’s intellect and brilliance shone in the backdrop of Jim’s entrepreneurial quest to build a leading global communications firm. As an advisor and confidante, Audra made her mark on the business that would become Real Chemistry. To her, success was a vehicle to do good—giving back through the Weiss Family Office.

When she was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, she turned her journey into advocacy, crossing paths with The Dempsey Center and recently joining their board. She was a staunch ally who always demonstrated kindness, courage, integrity and care.

Even in the later stages of her disease, she prioritized others—especially those who had recently received a cancer diagnosis. In her words: “No one can do this alone.” Selfless to the end, Audra was committed to sharing her wisdom about the cancer journey and her vision for providing free holistic medical care to patients in need.

Audra will be remembered by her family, friends, colleagues and her Syracuse Color War crew as a brave warrior who believed, with every part of her being, that she could defy the odds. For two years, she did, until the burden of her disease became too great.

In addition to her husband and children, Audra is survived by her parents, Ronni and Mark Nass; her brother, Eric Nass, and his wife, Lisa; her uncle and aunt, Steve and Honey Schwartz; her brother-in-law, Harry Weiss; and sisters-in-law, Beth Weiss and Cindy Weiss. She also leaves her longtime furry companion, Kona.

Services were held at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Donations in Audra’s memory can be made to The Dempsey Center, Family Reach, Hope Lodge and the Cancer Research Institute.

Henry John Romanowski of South Setauket and formerly of Mattituck, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. He was 78 years old.

Henry was born on March 14, 1946 in Riverhead, NY to Rose and Henry Romanowski. After high school, he took on the family business of Romanowski Farms. From there he would eventually go to work as a farm operator for Delea Sod Farms for 37 years.

Henry is survived by his fiancé Linda McGlynn of South Setauket, NY; children Kevin Romanowski (Paige) of Mattituck, Henry Romanowski Jr. of Laurel and Stacey Matyas of Rhode Island, and grandchildren Peter and Ryan.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 11th at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held following the mass at Polish Hall in Riverhead from 12-3:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattituck Lions Club would be appreciated.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

Danny Bacher

The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook has announced that one of its most beloved performers Danny Bacher passed away on December 16 following a heart attack. He was 48.

Bacher’s credentials and world-class talents make for an impressive and illustrious list. Bacher excelled as a vocalist, soprano saxophonist, dancer and composer and delivered jokes and banter effortlessly. Bacher recently published a book titled Collecting Laurel and Hardy, about his personal extensive collection of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia. At the time of his death, he was working on a Harry Nilsson recording project.

“It goes without saying that The Jazz Loft will never be the same without Danny,” said Tom Manuel, friend and founder of The Jazz Loft. “I will always have the utmost respect and admiration for Danny as a musician and an artist. Quite frankly he embodied what no artists have anymore. He was 100% in, 100% of the time— a consummate performer. He truly loved every stranger that sat in front of him. The music was always the number one priority. He appreciated the songwriter, the arranger, the history, the vision of the show, and especially the musicians that backed him up.”

Bacher was an early supporter and performer for The Jazz Loft and is credited with the first “official Jazz Loft gig,” which occurred well before the renovations were completed around 2014.

“We did a concert at what was at the time called The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Education & Cultural Center to bring awareness to the Loft project,’ recalls Manuel. “As the years progressed Danny became such an important part of the personality of our Sinatra Show, Rat Pack Show, and our Nutcracker amongst other things.”

Along with his numerous appearances at The Jazz Loft throughout the year, Bacher kept a busy touring schedule and worked at venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Feinstein’s 54 Below, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Town Hall. He performed several times at Carnegie Hall and most recently alongside the legendary Michael Feinstein. Bacher released two studio albums as a leader, “Swing That Music!” and “Still Happy” on the Whaling City Sound label. A recent recipient of the prestigious Margaret Whiting Award, Bacher was also nominated for best male vocalist in the 2019 National Jazz Times reader’s poll along with Harry Connick, John Pizzarelli, and Michael Buble, and in 2020 and 2021 placed in the top four in the country alongside Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter and the legendary Tony Bennett. He also received a 2023 Bistro Award for outstanding achievement as a singer/instrumentalist in the New York entertainment community. Bacher was personally selected by the 98-year-old jazz legend, Terry Gibbs, as the vocalist to record his Songbook.

When not performing, Bacher dedicated his time to arts education in his home state of New Jersey. As part of the nationally-recognized Educational Arts Team, he taught arts-integrated curricula to a variety of grade levels, as well as acting, theater improv, magic and puppetry. Along with his brother, Danny was the co-creator of the beloved after-school puppet series “The Backyard Players” (2008-2012), and has helped to run Camp Liberty, an arts-based summer program in Jersey City, for the past decade.

“Danny was a special person and real friend to me,” said Manuel. “I loved him like a brother and I’ll really miss him.”

Bacher is survived by his wife Erin Bernard-Bacher. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Ronald L. Gerry

*This article has been updated to reflect the correct dates for the service. We regret the error.

Prepared by Kara Hahn

Ronald L. Gerry of Ocoee, FL (formerly of Stony Brook) passed away peacefully on December 7. He was 81. Family, volunteer firefighting and love of home, community and country defined his life which was rich in purpose and deep in connection.

Volunteer firefighting was a core foundation of Ron’s identity. He was a Life-Member, Ex-Captain of Engine Company No. 1 and former Vice President of the Stony Brook Fire Department. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, his calling was to volunteer to protect his community as a firefighter. He joined the East Rockaway Fire Department as a teenager. When he and his wife Pam moved to Stony Brook Village in 1968, he immediately joined the Department. He quickly signed up for the Company’s Softball Team and rose in the ranks of the Department to Captain in 1978 – 1988. So committed to volunteering, that when his career brought him frequently to his company’s office in the Philadelphia suburbs, Ron rented an apartment so he could join a Fire Department there. As a result, he was a member of the West Whiteland/ Exton Fire Department in Exton, Pennsylvania from 1993-1995.  

Firefighting dominated his life both as a volunteer and as an advocate. Through founding and leading the Long Island Association of Firemen’s Benevolent Associations, as Vice President of the Central North Shore Volunteer Firemen’s Association and memberships in the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Fire Departments’ Long Island Legislative Committee and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Emerald Society. among others, Ron advocated for firefighters and their families.

In his professional career as an insurance broker, Ron had over 30 years of sales and management experience in the health, life and property insurance industries holding various positions from sales manager to Vice-President in the New York Life, Prudential Life, American International Group, Aetna and Mandeville Financial Services companies.  Firefighting found its way into his work as well. He learned arson investigation to be a part of the Aetna Arson Task Force and after establishing his own insurance agency, the Florian Agency, Inc., Ron carved a niche in offering life insurance products to professional firefighters in the FDNY. After the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11-01, Ron attended dozens of funerals of his clients who had perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center and their families were forever grateful for the salesman who had convinced them to invest in coverage.

Ron was a proud Patriot, his love of Country was another pillar of his identity. The Gerry family legacy of service dates back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence where the family boasts of ancestor Elbridge Gerry, American Founding Father as signer of this document that led to the founding of the Nation. Ron followed in his father’s footsteps in the U.S. Army serving overseas in the defense of Europe from 1965-1967 as a Combat Engineer where he built bridges and other structures, studied atomic demolitions and munitions to become an explosives and demolitions specialist.

Ron in his younger years was a decorated athlete across many sports.  A star running back for the East Rockaway Rocks High School football team, Ron was Captain of the Track Team in his junior and senior years and still holds the ERHS record for the 50 yard hurdles. He won the state title in 1962 for the Long Jump, jumping 21 feet, 6.25 inches. ERHS Football teammate Mike Jacobs said, “It was often noted by spectators and other players that Ron ran and jumped like a gazelle, powerful yet graceful. He was an incredibly natural athlete who also worked diligently and dedicatedly to improve every time he hit the field.”

Ron was a well-known family-man. His love of his family was his most prominent attribute. He married his high school sweetheart, Pam Stevenson, a cheerleader who he met during his time playing football at ERHS.  Ron was a devoted father to four remarkable children and an adoring grandfather to his ten grandchildren. He was a proud and guiding presence in the lives of his children. His daughter Kara, a Suffolk County Legislator, often credited her father for inspiring her commitment to public service and her belief in the power of community. Kevin, a high school and college soccer star turned successful financial advisor, spoke often of his father’s influence in shaping his discipline and drive, values that led to his professional success not to mention his commitment to volunteer firefighting and EMT service. Kristin, a skilled CPA, carried forward Ron’s attention to detail and steadfast work ethic, building a life of accomplishment and integrity. Kurt, an attorney and high school and college lacrosse standout, reflected on his father, saying, “He built a climber on Christmas Eve in our living room so I would have a surprise on Christmas morning and then disassembled it and rebuilt it in our backyard when springtime came. I now strive to create those kinds of fun and memorable experiences for my own boys. I just sometimes wish I didn’t follow in his footsteps as a perennial heartbroken Mets fan.”

Beyond his role as a father, Ron embraced his role as a grandfather with boundless enthusiasm and pride. Whether attending sports games, school plays, or simply sharing quiet moments, his love and wisdom became the foundation of lasting memories for his grandchildren. Known for his kind smile and steady presence, Ron’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Ronald was admired not only for his devotion to his family but also for his deep-rooted values. He believed in hard work and the transformative power of kindness. Friends and neighbors alike remember Ron for his quiet generosity, always offering a helping hand or thoughtful advice when needed.

“Working in the fire department with his son Kevin, who’s the same age as me, I looked up to him. Ron was legendary. He stole the other team’s playbook in terms of being an extraordinary firefighter, but he also did that in life,” said Sean Lynch, a volunteer firefighter who worked alongside Ron, as well.

Ron’s life was a testament to the enduring strength of family. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the personal and professional achievements of his children, but also in the love, guidance, and values he imparted to his grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though he will be deeply missed, Ronald L. Gerry’s impact will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he helped shape and the family he held so dear. Ron is pre-deceased by his father Clarance, his mother Maud and his brothers Harold and Jack and is survived by his wife Pam, daughters Kara Hahn (Christopher) and Kristin Ruffini (Mike) both of Setauket, sons Kevin (Jennifer) of Winter Garden, FL and Kurt (Casey) of New Hope, NJ as well as grandchildren Karina Gerry, Tyler and Samantha Ruffini, Hope Hahn, Kevin, Andrew, Kate, Nicholas, Carter and Eli Gerry.

Services will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road in East Setauket on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, Dec. 20  from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery at 53  Hollow Road in Stony Brook.