Gerard Pierre Paul

Gerard was born on February 3rd, 1950, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He emigrated to the United States in 1963 with his parents and sister Catherine. After attending St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, he married and raised two sons, Gerard Jr. and Bernard. In 1988, Gerard married Marie-Line Comeau and raised two daughters Natalie and Jessica. Gerard received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the City University of New York in 1978. In 1982, he became a Registered Architect and founded Geppaul Architects, where he practiced architecture for 35 years.

Gerry, as he was affectionately called, was a true champion of the arts, a fighter, and maverick.

Some of his proudest architectural achievements were the National Black Theatre in Harlem, Macedonia Plaza, and Janes United Methodist Church, one of his first projects. In addition, Gerry was deeply committed to mentoring young architects of color, regularly volunteering for high school career days. Gerard was also a visiting professor of design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

Gerry reimagined his Brooklyn brownstone with his own unique vision, a combination of his passion for his own Haitian heritage and modern sensibilities. His home was his personal masterpiece, and he filled it with art from across the African Diaspora. He was passionate about Haitian art, and collected from artists both traditional and modern. Gerry also loved music from all over the globe, enjoying an eclectic assortment of styles, including American folk, R&B, Cuban jazz, and of course, Haitian Konpa.

Even while battling diabetes, Gerry never let it define him. He continued to practice architecture and would shock caregivers when he brought plans to his hospital bed or dialysis treatment. In times when Gerry may have felt physically unwell, he still never passed up the opportunity to dance and enjoy his carefully curated music collection, or play drums with his grandsons. He was the true definition of resilience.

Some of the best memories his family shares are his sense of humor while playing family games at holidays. He had an infectious laugh that would make his family join without even knowing why. Gerry was known to all for his deep wisdom, his outgoing spirit, dignified character, and sense of pride.

Gerry is preceded in death by sister Catherine and parents Lea and Joseph. He is survived by his wife Marie-Line, his four children, Gerard Jr., Bernard, Natalie and Jessica; his grandchildren Ava, Noah and Gabriel, as well as nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family.

A memorial service for Gerard took place at

Janes United Methodist Church,

660 Monroe Street

Brooklyn, NY 11221

In lieu of flowers,

the family humbly asked

that donations be made to the

Church, by visiting the church website: https://www.janesumc.org and clicking “Donate”