Gerald Herbert Toomey

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Gerald Herbert Toomey passed on to Eternal Life on December 11, 2009 at the home of his daughter, Donna L. MacLauchlin of Hobe Sound, Florida with his son Gerald W Toomey by his side. Gerald was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 25, 1927. He spent his boyhood years growing up in Randolph, Massachusetts. On February 20, 1946, Gerald enlisted in the US Navy. He served as a Machinist Mate Second Class aboard the USS Washington, USS Norton Sound, USS Dionne, and the USS Wilkes. Gerald was recalled to active duty during the Korean War on May 2, 1951. While serving on this tour of duty, he served aboard the USS Harwood. His service medals include the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. Gerald was an active member of the Middleboro Fraternal Order of Elks, where he served on the membership committee; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Lions International; and was a deacon at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Easton, Massachusetts.On April 20, 1947, Gerald married the love of his wife, Rosemary Schaefer. It was then that Gerald started his own residential construction company in Randolph, Massachusetts, naming two streets after his children, “Donna Lane” and “Gerald Street”. Gerald started Toomey Siding Company in 1956, where he developed a long friendship with John McCarthy of Manomet, Massachusetts.In 1989, Gerald and Rosemary relocated to Carver, Massachusetts to enjoy many happy years of retirement. Subsequently, after enjoying many winters in sunny Florida, they decided to make Stuart, Florida their permanent home. Gerald was a much loved husband of 63 years, caring father, grandfather, and friend that will be greatly missed. The memories that he created will live long in our hearts. He will be forever be remembered in our hearts and our minds. Rest in peace, Daddy with Mom and others who have loved you dearly and have gone before you.Gerald is survived by his daughter, Donna L. MacLauchlin of Hobe Sound, Florida; a son, and daughter in law, Gerald W and Odette Toomey of Davie, Florida; a brother and sister in law, William and Daizy Toomey of West Jordan, Utah; grandchildren, Todd M. MacLauchlin of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Kelly J Toomey of Richmond Virginia; Heather Zaleski of Tolland Connecticut; Sean L. Toomey of Seattle, Washington and Gerald W Toomey II of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by three great grandchildren: Joshua Toomey of Richmond, Virginia; Mark T. MacLauchlin of Port St. Lucie, Florida and Jenna Rose Zaleski, of Tolland, Connecticut; a brother in law and sister in law, Harry Schaefer and Catherine Schaefer and their sons, Harry Jr. and David of Carteret, New Jersey. In addition, he will be greatly missed by many nieces, and nephews, friends (especially the McDonald’s gang) and extended family.Gerald was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Rosemary, who passed away on April 16, 2009; his mother and father, Elmer and Margaret Toomey; two brothers, Albert V Toomey of Jupiter, Florida; and Edward Toomey of Lowell, Massachusetts; a son-in-law, Reverend Dr. James D MacLauchlin of Hobe Sound, Florida.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr James D MacLauchlin Memorial Scholarship Fund at Peace Presbyterian Church, 4881 SE Cove Road, Stuart, Florida 34997.A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 12 noon at Fernhill Memorial Gardens, 1501 S. Kanner Hwy., Stuart, Florida with a reception immediately following at Miles Grant Country Club, Stuart, Florida. Arrangements have been entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home in Stuart, Florida.