Gerald F. Syas, Sr., 75, of Derry, NH passed away on Tuesday September 3, 2013 at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Omaha, NE on February 9, 1938, a son of Donald and Jaine (Paulson) Syas. Raised in Nebraska, Gerald was a long time resident of Derry. A Sergeant 1st Class FFC in the US Army for 22 years, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Medal of Gallantry and many more. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and brother.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diana L. (Starkey) Syas, his six children, Deanna Levada, Gerald F. Syas, Jr., Doreen Magliacane, Cynthia Fritz, Deborah Guzman and Steve Syas, several grandchildren and his sister and best friend, Patty Nixon.
Following cremation, a graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 12:00pm in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Hwy, Boscawen, NH. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The Peabody Funeral Home, 15 Birch Street, Derry is in charge of the arrangements.