He died Sunday, December 2nd from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed on July 25, 2018. His passing at home surrounded by family and friends does not take away his presence. It highlights the gifts he gave and his legacy as a husband to Terry (Frances) Hallihan, father to Kerry Hallihan and her wife, Julie Noiman, and a joyful grandfather to their daughter Brooks and grand pup, Birkin.
Gerard lived proudly as a gentleman in the truest sense, gifted with a deep spirit of kindness and generosity, and a ready sense of humor to provoke and joke. A devout auto-sports fan, Gerard spent hours in the garage cleaning and polishing his beloved BMW 650i while rocking out to Van Morrison. An avid wine and food connoisseur and reader of all things gourmet, he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Terry sampling international cuisine, as well as researching and exploring wineries. In the last few years Gerard took great delight in growing herbs in the VillaRiva community herb garden. The Hallihans enjoyed annual trips to Napa and Sonoma, in Northern California, with friends from across the country.
A graduate of Englewood High School and the University of Florida, Gerard worked for various state government agencies (Florida, Virginia, California and Georgia) as he and Terry moved around the country. After that he worked for the federal government (Social Security Administration-SSA) in Georgia, Virginia and Florida, retiring in 2013 after 20 years.
Gerard had a fierce sense of fairness that enriched all his relationships including the sacred bond he shared with his surviving brothers Larry and Peter and their respective spouses Sherry and Sharon. The three brothers had lively and entertaining conversations about sports, music and politics.
Gerard’s optimism and joy of life will be celebrated at a memorial gathering Saturday, January 19, 2019. In memory of Gerard, contributions may be made to Memorial Park Association- The Spirit of Victory, 1650-302 Margaret Street #322, Jacksonville, FL 32204-3869.
The Hallihan family sincerely thanks Homewatch CareGivers and Community Hospice for their dedicated medical assistance during the last days of Gerard’s life, especially Zina Cobb and Denise Garrett.
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