Patrick F. Gerrity, 64, Moosic Lakes, Jefferson Twp. PA, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ruth Hennigan Gerrity.
Born in Scranton, Pat was the son of the late John and Ellen Miskell Gerrity. He graduated from Central High School and Keystone College.
Pat can best be described as a gentle man, quiet and unassuming. He was a man of quick wit, an artist and a prolific reader. His most endearing quality of all was his devotion to his family. Honor, Courage and Commitment – he lived his life based on his beliefs: love of family, love for and loyalty to his country, followed by ”everything else.”
Pat’s deep insight and creativity led him to a professional career as an electrical designer. His career began with Thunder Projects, Vestal, NY. His twenty year experience with the firm and the expertise he demonstrated there subsequently led to his association with Highland Associates, Clarks Summit; G.S.G.S.& B, Clarks Summit; CEE, Pittston; Greenman Pederson, Moosic; and Arris Engineering, Wilkes-Barre.
Forever proud of his country, Pat served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Nitro AE-23. These years of service left a strong and lasting impression, defining his principles and guiding how he lived his life and raised his sons.
Proud father of three sons, Patrick, Brendan, and Michael, his family was his life. He became a loving and doting grandfather to Mikey, Aiden, and Cole.
A man with a passion for the arts, he himself was a talented artist and oil painting became his love. He was a prolific reader and a self-taught art historian. He greatly admired the Impressionist painter, John Willard Raught and the other Pennsylvania Impressionists. Pat found great solace and peace in the subtleties, color and graceful nuances of nature. Its beauty, depth and majesty were creatively captured in his own paintings. His interests were varied and also included politics, world history and family genealogy.
His family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Edward Dzielak D.O., Scranton; and the doctors and nurses of the Fox Chase Cancer Center: Walter J. Scott MD, Prashant Shah MD, Robit Kumar MD, and Srikanth Parsi MD.
Also surviving are three sons, Patrick and his wife Jennifer of Scranton, Brendan and his wife Sarah of Media, PA, and Petty Officer First Class Michael Gerrity, San Diego, CA; a brother John “Jake” Gerrity and his wife Kathy of Conshohocken, PA; sisters Joanne Gerrity Gleason of Scranton, Ellen Gerrity McCormick and her husband Peter of Collingswood, New Jersey, and Karen Gerrity of Dunmore; beloved grandsons Mikey, Aiden and Cole; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jimmy Gleason.
Everyone attending the funeral is asked to proceed directly to the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10am in St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave, Scranton.
Friends may call Sunday from 1-4 pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Interment with military honors, Dunmore Cemetery.
Due to the generosity and support shown to Ruth and Pat during his illness, well wishers are encouraged to send donations in honor of Patrick Gerrity to the American Cancer Society/ Philadelphia Hope Lodge, 110 West Laurel Avenue, Cheltenham PA 19012.
For directions, to share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Terry and Ann Rink
We are so saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. We ran into Pat in the Fall and he showed us pictures of Moosic lake, he was so happy to be there with you! We are not able to pay our respect in person because we have made plans to go and visit our Kathryn and her family in Pittsburgh. Please know that we are very sorry for your and the boys’ loss. Pat was a true gentleman! Terry and Ann
adelle mulea facinelli
Dear Ruth:
I saw Patrick’s obituary on line this morning. I am so sorry for your loss. I think of all of you Hennigans often. You were like my second family.
Adelle
Melody Newhard-Kirk
Ruth;
I am sadden to hear about your husband passing . I did not know him but you were like family to us when Kaitlin was at SSSD and because of your encourage and to help her persevere she is were she is today Graduating from college. May God Bless you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers and I will have a mass said for your husband at Assumption Parish BVM in Colesvile PA . God hold you and your family during this difficult time in the palm of his hand .
Melody , Brian and Kaitlin
Arlene Michaels
Dear Ruth and Family:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I can honestly say it is truly sad to loose a loved one. Pat was a kind and gentle person and I enjoyed working with him many years at the engineering firm.
Arlene Michaels
Beverly Mchugh
Dear Ruth and Family,
So sad to hear of your husband’s passing. I did not know him,but through Facebook got to know his face. Also, enjoyed seeing the both of you in your pictures. I am so very sorry and will keep you in my prayers.
Beverly Plis McHugh
Joan Griffin
Ruth I’m so sorry to hear the sad news of your husbands passing. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you made together . My thoughts and prayers are with today tomorrow and always.
Elaine Keeler
Ruth,
We were out of town when you lost your husband. I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Pat but I know you are much to nice to lose your husband this young. I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers.