Gerald B. Smith, affectionately known as “Gerry”, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the age of 77 at his home in Falmouth. Though he lived much of his life with juvenile diabetes and faced many health challenges, he never let them stand in the way of living life fully, laughing often, and loving deeply. He was the embodiment of resilience, joy, and generosity.
Born and raised in Brockton, he was the loving son of the late Lawrence and Jeanne (Buckley) Smith. He was a teacher and administrator for the Brockton Public Schools for over 37 years. He was known for inspiring young minds in the classroom and mentoring fellow teachers as a school administrator.
Gerry was everyone’s favorite guy. He had a magnetic personality and a heart bigger than life. He was a man of warmth, humor, and integrity who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Gerry was a proud graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School (1965), and Stonehill College (1972) where he received his bachelor’s degree. He went on to receive a master’s degree (1989) from Bridgewater State University.
He loved to play golf at the Cape Cod Country Club where he cherished time on the course with his closest friends. At a younger age he was a fearless skier and a determined sail boat crew member. He was always ready to chase the wind, or hit the slopes, often with a big grin and a few friends in tow. His adventurous spirit and positive outlook inspired everyone lucky enough to know him.
He was also a passionate car enthusiast, known for his deep appreciation of classic cars and spirited conversations about engines, designs and the joy of the open road. He was the proud owner of numerous sports cars, most notably his 1965 blue Chevy Corvette convertible.
More than anything, Gerry was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen (Alward) Smith, his loving daughters Ashleigh J. Smith and Jacqueline M. Smith, both of Austin, TX; three sisters, Jeanne-Ann Ouellette of Yarmouth, ME, Janet Shurtleff (Michael) of Easton, and Sue Ann Smith of Brockton; his mother- in -law Marie Alward, his nieces, Rachael Nahme Southard (James) and Maria Nahme Brown (Dylan), nephews, Jared Cobb and Jason Ouellette (Megan), his 3 great nephews Mason and Jaxon Ouellete and Dustin J. Southard and godsons Eric Hager and Nick Saba. He also leaves many loving cousins and other relatives.
Gerald was a former member of the Brockton Education Association, Massachusetts Teachers Association and former board member of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority.
Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, at Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 9:30 am, for a funeral mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, at 10:30 am. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory can be made to Breakthrough T1D, Formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), PO Box 5021 Hagerstown MD 21741-5021.