ANDERSON, GERALD R. Of Needham and Pocasset, 93, passed away peacefully in Needham, his hometown, on January 31, 2017. He joins his wife, the love of his life, Elizabeth, who predeceased him in January 2016. He leaves behind his children, Stephen and his wife Gail, Joan and her husband Phil, Brian and his wife Nancy, and Patricia and her husband Greg. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Daniel, Jaclyn and her husband Craig, Kimberly and her husband Michael and son Chris, Lillian, Pamela, Maggie, Kenna, Dexter and Bridget. He also had two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Connor. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was admired and loved by all. His parents, James and Matilda (McKenna), had five sons, he was the fourth.
In 1942, he graduated from the Needham High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. For more than 50 years, worked as a machinist and later managed Anderson Machine in Needham Heights. He served as a representative town meeting member in Needham for 18 years, and volunteered for Traveling Meals in Needham and Rosie’s Place. Gerald and Elizabeth danced with the Great Plain Squares. In 2012, he and his wife received the Richard Melick Award in recognition of their years of service to the Town of Needham. His neighbors in Needham and Pocasset were a source of support and entertainment. Gerald enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with his family and friends, and playing games with his grandchildren.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, Monday, Feb. 6 from 4-8pm. Funeral from the funeral home Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Gerald’s memory to the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund, 110 May St., Needham, MA 02492, or Stanley R. Tippett Hospice Home, 920 South St., Needham, MA 02492.