A. Gerald "Gerry" Condon

WEST BOYLSTON – A. Gerald “Gerry” Condon, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, with voices raised in song, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, shortly after his 86th birthday. Born and raised in Worcester, Gerry was the son of Amasa G. and Eleanor M. (Conlin) Condon and lived in West Boylston for 53 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia J. Condon; a son, James P. Condon and his wife, Isabel; a daughter, Rebecca M. Zieminski and her husband, Carl; a sister, Dianne Carberry of Wells, Maine; five grandchildren, Christopher, Benjamin, Alexandra and her husband, Evan, Victoria, and Katherine; as well as several nieces and a nephew.

Gerry graduated from Classical High School in Worcester, Class of 1956. He attended Worcester Junior College where he was a member of the swim team, and later earned his BBA from Clark University. He worked for several years selling material handling equipment before establishing his own manufacturers’ representative business. After retirement, Gerry enjoyed working part-time as a driver at Wagner Motors in Shrewsbury.

One of Gerry’s great passions was singing. He began singing in 1944 with the All Saints Choir of Men and Boys in Worcester. The choir was renowned among church choirs of the day, traveling to New York City and Washington, D.C., and releasing several records. In the 1990s, Gerry and a few other former choir members started the All Saints Church Choir of Men and Boys Alumni Association, Inc., which created a college scholarship fund for today's choir boys. He served as the President of the Association, overseeing its creation and operations for many years.

In 1970 he began attending St. Michael’s on–the–Heights in Worcester. He quickly was asked to join their choir and shortly after became a lay reader and eucharistic minister He served in church leadership as Junior Warden and then Senior Warden at various times across 20 years of service.

In 2012 he followed his former priest to his current church, St. Mark’s, Worcester. There he again joined the church choir and leadership, becoming a member of the vestry. He was elected the Junior Warden in 2019, responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the 120-year-old brownstone church building. He and Pat also were the church altar guild, spending Saturday evenings preparing the church for services on Sundays. This he did without fail until his recent illness.

In addition to singing in church choirs, Gerry was a member of the Salisbury Singers from 1985 until 2010. This mixed-voice chorus of over 60 singers allowed him to explore more complex classical pieces - which he loved.

He served honorably in the Coast Guard Reserves for 36 years after enlisting in 1956. He retired at the rank of Senior Chief. He was proud to say that over the years he was on duty, they never lost a soul during any one of the numerous rescue missions to which they were called.

Gerry was raised to Master Mason at Rufus Putnam Lodge, in Rutland, MA in 1962 and became Master of the Lodge in 2021-2022. His commitment to the Lodge and to the Mason’s was admirable, and he took great pride in his membership in this esteemed organization.

In the early 2000s he became a member of the West Boylston election commission to help count votes after each election. He was asked to become a town constable, a role he held for over 15 years.

Gerry and his wife Pat enjoyed time together with their family and friends, often meeting at O’Connor’s Restaurant, to enjoy their famous Guinness pie, and as members of the Icon Museum and Study Center in Clinton (Museum of Russian Icons). Their travels took them to Alaska, Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, and throughout the United States. Gerry cherished time at the family homestead in the mountains of Maine where he used his skills as a handyman to make improvements on the 1850’s farmhouse. To his delight, this is where his family would gather.

A devoted husband, dedicated dad, and doting grandfather, family was at the heart of Gerry’s life. He volunteered with Scouts and Little League and attended countless activities across the years including: track and field events, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, lacrosse games, dance recitals, skating competitions, theater, orchestra, band and choral events of his children and grandchildren. His smile, support, encouragement, and big hugs were always warmly welcomed after a win or loss. In retirement he loved researching his genealogy, deepening his connection to his family’s Irish roots and ancestors.

As an invited and inducted “Tennessee Squire” he enjoyed savoring Jack Daniels along with sharp cheddar cheese and crackers.

Gerry will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality. His booming bass voice will be missed, but he will be long remembered for his unfailing honesty, modesty, kindness, positive outlook, generosity, finding the right words to lift-up others, his sharp wit, and Irish sense of humor. Above all we will cherish his unwavering faith and love.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 3-6pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, MA 01520. The funeral service will take place at 11am on Monday, November 4, 2024 at St. Mark’s Church, 0 Freeland St., Worcester. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 0 Freeland St., Worcester, MA 01603 or to the Rufus Putnam Lodge, P.O. Box 151, Rutland, MA 01543.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.