Gerry graduated from Lynn Classical High School in Lynn, Mass in 1970. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974. He then went on to further his education at Tannana Valley Community College Alaska (1975-1976), Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX (1976-1977), and University of Maryland (1977-1980). He also studied at Weber State University, Utah State University, and Community College of the Air Force.
Gerry worked for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Logistics and Supply from 1982-2003 in Germany and retired from the Department of Defense Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He was a Roman Catholic and was very proud of his Italian and Irish heritage. Gerry lived and worked all over the world to include Japan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Alaska, Texas, Germany, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines, Florida, Utah, Italy, Spain, England, Netherlands, and Massachusetts where it all began- 55 Light Street and so many more.
Gerry loved driving across the country spontaneously on road trips, always with a camera in hand taking pictures of any and everything. He loved cooking (best known for his cheese steak subs) and enjoyed his roast beef subs and lobster rolls), eating, playing his guitar and listening to all kinds of music, but favored Classic Rock, enjoyed going on Walmart adventures in which he could disappear for hours, and especially loved everything Boston- Red Sox, NE Patriots, Boston Bruins, and the Celtics. Gerry was the type of guy to always lend a hand, an ear for comfort over a cup of coffee, and was always humble and kind. He always had quick witted replies that made you laugh and cry. Gerry was never judgmental, always loyal, accepted your faults and flaws and always found the beauty behind it. He had a way of seeing past the bad and shedding light on any situation. Gerry was the son, big brother, husband, father and friend that glued his family together no matter what.
Gerry spent his time helping so many people through AA. He was religious in his conviction of remaining committed to bettering himself and his fellow members and family and friends. His dedication and desire to help others never went without fail and it didn’t matter where he was. He travelled the US constantly throughout the years and always found himself meeting new people and becoming a mentor and friend to so many whom he impacted on the way.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent James (Kathleen) Pergola, and Mary Lorraine McMurrer Pergola; his wife, Mara Tolman Pergola; and grandchild, Kingston Emanuel Fosque.
He is survived by his children, Sherri Lynn (Jerry) Helton, Michelle Crystal (Corey) Fosque, Christopher Gerald Pergola (USMC), Katherine “Dee Dee” (Tracy) LaRocco-Childers, Kim LaRocco (Daniel Pomales-Galarza Fl), Katika Pittman, and Joseph (Sheryl) Pittman, Sr.; grandchildren, Dominique Michelle Rios, Soleil Arie Forque, Kalia Lewis, Joe “Little Joe” Lewis, Phoenix Pittman, Starr and BB, Joe Pittman, Jr., Kristen Cook, Felicia Bryant, Tyler Hargis, and Shelby Hargis; siblings, Linda A. (Robert) Grayson, Mary D. (Richard) Grinder, Valerie J. Pergola (Cory Simmons Fl), Christopher J. Pergola (Sandy Tawny Fl); nieces and nephews, Andrew Grayson, Douglas Grayson, Scott Long, Nicole Pergola, and John Dixon II; and many adored uncles, aunts, cousins, family and friends. With a special mention to Uncle Dave and Theresa Pergola, Uncle Jack (deceased), Sonny Shay, John Dixon Sr. (deceased), Jordan Simmons, Alfonso and Carline (Pergola) Defeo, Sharlene Ivey, Katherine LaRocco (deceased), Byron Rios, Cathy Cuevas, Jennie Ball, the Hart family (Coneheads), Jim Cedar and Badger and Buddy his long-time long haired dachshund companion whom we all know he loved. The family would also like to thank Alyse Bollheimer and the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home for taking care our family with such compassion too many times in the past year.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 12 pm – 1 pm, with a service to begin at 1 pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home; 635 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please visit www.kayspongerpg.com to leave memories or condolences to Gerry’s family.
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