Obituary, “Gerry” Gieseking

“Gerry” Gieseking, 85, peacefully passed away on July 20, 2020, at his home in Poughquag, NY surrounded by the love of family and close friends.  He was born in New York City on June 20, 1935, the son of the late Heinrich and Dora (Ort) Gieseking. 

Gerry served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960 as a Paratrooper in the 11th Airborne in Augsburg, Germany and was also a member of the U.S. Army Swim Team.  His career in the Sign Rigging and Sheetmetal industry spanned over 25 years.  Gerry’s sign rigging included installing the marquees on top of many of the landmark buildings in New York City, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports and also at The World’s Fair in Spokane, Washington……..along with the fun and excitement of dropping the New Year’s Eve Ball in Times Square. 

Gerry married Rosemary Rohrich on December 20, 1975 and a magnificent team was created.  They began their life together by first building their own log home in Holmes, NY.   Gerry enjoyed creating and nurturing his mini-farm of cows, geese, rabbits, turkeys and chickens and his big vegetable garden along with being an active beekeeper.  Gerry and Rosemary then started the Brewster Garden Center & Florist and The Brewster Bait & Tackle in Brewster, NY from 1984 to 1999.  After retirement they enjoyed traveling in their RV to experience the beauty of this country and also enjoyed being Floridian Snowbirds for 20 years.  Typical of Gerry he left behind good memories and gifts to both his Floridian and New York friends of his handcrafted cutting boards.   As we all know, Gerry rarely sat idle……..he loved organizing fishing trips with his friends to Rhode Island and was always generous in sharing his “catch” with others.  He waited patiently each year for the turkey and deer hunting season to open.  Gerry was well known for his homemade jams (which he mindfully gifted to those who respectfully returned an empty jar for a refill).  This wonderful man was a Godfather, Uncle and Mentor to many young people, spending endless hours with them hunting, fishing, camping and helping them find their way in the world.  If there was one word to describe him it was “compassionate”.   Gerry’s big hugs, huge smile and loving heart was his trademark.  Any room was made happier when he entered it.  A truer friend couldn’t be found ……….and his handshake was his signature.

Gerry is survived by Rosemary, his loving and devoted wife of 45 years; his son, Russell; his daughter Patty; and several grandchildren. 

Gratitude and thanks are given to family and friends and the caregivers of Hudson Valley Hospice for their compassionate support.   Gerry played a significant role in the building and creation of The Remembrance Garden at their church.  Therefore, in lieu of flowers, Rosemary has requested donations be made in Gerry’s memory to The Remembrance Garden at Christ Church on Quaker Hill, 17 Church Rd, Pawling, NY 12564.  

 

There will be an outdoor service celebrating Gerry’s life on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2:00pm at Christ Church on Quaker Hill.   (Face masks and social distancing respectfully required.)

Arrangements are under the direction of the Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY.

Author: Harlem Valley News