Gerard J Laing

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard “Jerry” John Laing, who left us unexpectedly on August 10, 2025. Born on December 10, 1939, in Saratoga Springs, New York, Jerry lived a life full of dedication and love to his family and friends.

Following his graduation from Saratoga Springs High School, Jerry proudly served in the US Navy on the USS Stormes DD-780 for four years. He would regale of all the time spent in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, including notable events like recovering the spacecraft carrying Enos, the first chimpanzee to orbit the Earth; being part of the Cuban Blockade until the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis; and being the first US ship to visit Santa Marta, Colombia since 1880.

After honorable discharge from the Navy, his professional career spanned 35 years at Verizon, which was formerly known as C&P Telephone Co. and Bell Atlantic, culminating in a well-deserved retirement after a distinguished career.

Jerry was a loving and devoted husband to Diana Guy Laing, with whom he enjoyed 60 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: Gerard J. Laing Jr. (Angie), William Laing (Adelyn), and Patricia Laing Emilio (Frank).

He was a beloved grandfather to Kenneth Emilio (Marlene), John Lewis Emilio (Nadia), Ashley Laing (favorite granddaughter), William Laing Jr., and Adam Laing, and his great-grandchildren Cooper Emilio, Russell Emilio, and Alexander Emilio, who all brought him immense happiness.

He had a love for volleyball and actively engaged in local teams until the COVID pandemic. He also found great joy in cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and traveling the world with Diana.

Known affectionately as “Nummy”, Jerry will be dearly missed by many long-time friends and neighbors, especially Terry and Joyce Brumley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Margaret Laing, his sister Mary Travis, and brother-in-law Robert Travis. He leaves behind his niece Kristina Scotti and nephew Robert Travis Jr.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on August 20 at 11:00am at Woodlawn Funeral Home, followed by interment at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family invites friends to join them afterwards at the funeral home for light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.