Gerald Fisk

“Shut up Gerald”

and other great memories of a wonderful man.

Dad was not offended when we used this phrase. Among his other fine qualities, being easy going, laid back, and easily amused were his trademarks. In the 1980’s, there was a Broadway show (Woman of the Year), that had a song called “Shut up Gerald. Being teenagers, and evil,

Larry, I, and even Mom joined in whenever Dad would begin to speak, and we would sing the phrase. It was done in jest, not with disrespect. Dad loved funny, even if the joke was poked at him.

A little history-Dad made some money in the stock market in the late 50’s, early 60’s. His plan was to retire as a young bachelor in Mexico. It is there that a stunning Mexican señorita catches his eye (Yes, it’s Mom) Neither really spoke the other’s language, but LOVE is LOVE is LOVE.

So after 3 years of Dad courting Mom (heavily chaperoned), trying to ingratiate himself with my grandparents (very strict), and her 11 siblings (very loud), he enlists his friend Julio LaSalle to write a letter of proposal in Spanish. Mom was facing living in a new country with no family and friends, a completely new language, a completely new life. She said “yes”. This was the man she loved. And then, a few years later…TADA!…Linda and Larry.

Dad was a devoted family man. He was crazy about Mom, and he loved Larry and me. Dad loved my Mama Carolina, and Papa Pedro as much as he did his own folks. He considered my Uncle Bucho his other son. That love was extended to the entire Figueroa clan, that’s how generous and large his heart was. Family was everything to him.

Back to some funny stuff…

When they were first married, and Mom was learning English, Dad taught Mom some songs with “off color” lyrics to sing to Grandpa Dave. Grandpa shook his head in disapproval, and said,”Oh, Gerald”, as Dad howled with laughter.

He enjoyed Sid Caesar, Peter Sellers, Rodney Dangerfield, Robin William’s invention of golf, Chevy Chase dancing in Germany in National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Sir John Gielgud in Arthur, and the bit that made him laugh hysterically-Jackie Mason imitating Henry Kissinger. Got him every time. Dad would tell us about the pranks they played in the Army, during the

Korean War- they were kids, after all. His favorite was when the guys set someone afloat in the South China Sea at low tide. No Army personnel were harmed in the execution of this prank. Still, funny as hell.

Dad was a talented computer guy. He was in at the bottom floor when mainframes took up an entire room. An astute systems analyst, Dad could figure out almost any problem with a program. His schedule was arranged so he could be home by 4p.m. to have dinner with us. Mom would take us to the subway to meet him-it was always a thrill to watch Dad emerge from the sea of people. Whenever I would call him at work, he would answer,”Systems, Fisk”. I would say ,”Hi Dad”, and he always responded with a cheery,”Oh hi, honey”. Never too busy to talk with me.

This was the Dad of homework help, and science projects. He valued hard work, but also fun. We had a lot of good times with Mom and Dad-Jones Beach, Baker Camp, Mexico trips, Maine; really too many to count, but we remember

Dad was very proud of how Larry and I assumed our adult roles. Dad was not judgemental, he kept his opinions to himself. He let us forge our own paths. His love was without condition.

Being a man that asked for nothing, of course I said yes when Dad asked to wear a top hat at our wedding. I worried that Lenny would look exceedingly height challenged (sorry Len), but I couldn’t say no.

The next chapter included the arrival of Michael and Megan. They were his pride and joy. Dad was so excited to be a grandpa. This was another generation for him to love. Michael would melt right into him, and Dad wouldn’t shave so Michael could feel the stubble. Michael drums his fingers on his head, just like Dad, a familial mannerism. Teasing Megan as a tiny tot was something he cherished. As Megan grew, Dad was so proud of all her accomplishments as a scholar, musician, dancer, driver, and employee. “ She’s ok, that Megan!”, he would say. Above all else, he was very moved by Megan’s generous and loving care of Michael. Dad enjoyed watching his family grow and develop. It was a gift to him, as he was to us.

Dad adored Mom. When they were in Mexico, I came across a diary (of course I looked) of Dad’s. It was a day to day account of stuff from the previous visit to Mexico. I was struck by how simple and loving the description of his days were. He wrote about how much he loved Mom. And he wrote about his beloved dog, Lobo. His latest furry love was Fuzzy Fisk, an ill tempered cat who only has eyes for Mom. Dad loved him anyway, and relished any attention Fuzzy would give him. Dad was a genuine man, and his love was true and honest.

Being grateful was one of our greatest lessons from Dad. He was most grateful for Mom, and so are we, for taking care of him so well all of their marriage, but especially in these last few years.

It is because of Mom that we were able to honor Dad’s wish of staying home as long as he did. At the end, he called Mom exotic, which she is.

Dad was the greatest Dad in the history of Dad’s. He was top tier. I’m going to miss his smile, his laugh, the scent of his closet, his warmth, and gentle manner.

Gerry was a good and generous man, a simple soul who delighted in his family. He was a man of keen intellect, but a humble heart.

We called him Egghead, and he loved it. He loved us, it’s as simple as that.

Soar with the angels Dad! We love you.

A gathering for Gerald will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kennedy-Roth Funeral Home, 41-45 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377. A mass of christian burial will occur Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at St Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, 58-02 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377. A committal service will occur Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11792.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kennedyrothfuneralhome.com for the Fisk family.