John O’Neill (Jack) Gerrish passed away on Monday, November 29, 2010 in Winooski, VT at age 100. Jack was the son of Charles Percy Gerrish and Mary Elizabeth O’Neill of Potsdam. He graduated from Crane School of Music in 1930, and ran a popular dance band during the Great Depression. Jack’s favorite teaching job was his ten years at Franklin Academy in Malone. He was a professor of music at Kean University in New Jersey for most of his career.
Following the death of his first wife, Marion Benham of Saranac Lake, he married the late Claire Stackpole of Winooski VT. For 20 years after his first retirement, he served as organist at the Winooski United Methodist Church.
Jack is survived by two brothers, Charles and Robert Gerrish, both of Potsdam; and four children, John (Sandra), Mary, James, and Catherine (William Ryan); and his seven grandchildren, his seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews remember him fondly for encouraging them to enjoy and perform music. Faith in God was his guiding light.
His funeral will be on Friday, December 3 at St. Stephen’s Church, Winooski with viewing at 12 noon followed by the Mass at 1 p.m. On Saturday, December 4, there will be visiting hours from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Potsdam.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider providing music lessons for a youngster.
Arrangements are with the Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam.
