In Loving Memory of Gerard James Layden Sr.
July 25, 1942 – July 6, 2026
Gerard James Layden Sr., affectionately known to everyone as Gerry, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on July 25, 1942, Gerry spent the last 60 years in Quincy, where he built a life centered on family, friendship, and community. After proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force, Gerry built a life through hard work and dedication. He worked as a member of Local 4 Elevator Constructors Union in Boston, proudly owned Layden’s Pub in Dorchester for more than 30 years, and later served with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement.
Layden’s Pub was far more than a neighborhood gathering place, it was where Gerry’s personality shined. Whether you stopped in for a drink, a conversation, or simply to say hello, you were greeted with a warm smile, a great story, and a genuine sense of belonging. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family.
A lifelong golfer, Gerry was a proud member of Furnace Brook Golf Club for more than 50 years, where he built lifelong friendships and earned the distinction of a Lifetime Membership. The golf course was one of his favorite places, second only to being surrounded by the people he loved most.
Above all else, Gerry loved his family. He shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Helen Toner Layden, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Gerry is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Helen; his children, Kathy Layden and Jerry Layden and his wife Julie; his grandchildren, Shaun McBrien and wife Laura, Courtney Richardson and husband Trevor, Ashley McBrien and her fiance Brendan Ford, Trevor Layden, Kyle Layden, and Derek Layden; his great-grandchildren, Sophia McBrien, Jack McBrien, and Vivian Ford; and his brothers, Kevin Layden, Wayne Layden, Roger Layden, and Walter Layden.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Leo and Kathleen Layden; his brother, Leo Layden; and his sister, Elaine Sabadini.
To know Gerry was to know kindness. He had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together, lending a hand without hesitation, and making everyone around him feel welcome. His legacy of love, generosity, laughter, and friendship will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Brick & Beam in Quincy, Massachusetts. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate the life of a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend whose life was truly well lived.