Gerald H. Cox, 76*, of Derry NH died Friday, September 25, 2009, surrounded by his family. Gerry was born on September 26, 1933 in Homer, New York to the late Robert and Esther (Allen) Cox. He graduated from Cortland State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, and studied for a Master’s degree at Penn State University. He and his family lived in Montpelier VT and South Kingstown RI before settling in Derry in 1963.
Gerry lived his life in service to others. Growing up, he had a passion for community service and a love of the outdoors, which started him on a life-long path of involvement with Boy Scouts of America. As an adult, he sponsored many young men in their pursuit of their Eagle Scout, most recently his own grandson, Dan, in 2008.
Gerry was instrumental in the creation of Derry’s chapter of Rotary International. His decades-long dedication to that organization earned him its highest honor – the Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a founding member of the New Hampshire State Antique Auto Club. For years, he could be spotted putting around town in his red 1928 Ford Model T pick-up truck.
Gerry was Derry’s first full-time employee of the Parks & Recreation Department, serving as its Director for 28 years until his retirement. During that time, he created, implemented, and oversaw countless recreational and athletic programs, led the conversion of an old school into a community center, spearheaded the construction of the ski lodge and tow rope at Alexander-Carr Park, built a permanent team of full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff, and lobbied long and hard to save and create parks. In recognition of all his efforts, he received the Jaycees' “Distinguished Service Award,” and was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Derry Chamber of Commerce. He also served as adjunct faculty at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
He was passionate about his hobbies, pursuing them with the same fervor he held for his family, his community, and his work. He was an artist – with pen and ink, paint, leather, and wood. After his retirement, Gerry re-dedicated himself to further improving his woodworking skills. His birds were exhibited in shows throughout the Northeast, and won many ribbons – including several blue ones.
In anticipation of the U.S. Bicentennial, Gerry's great interest in history led him to join a Revolutionary War reenactment militia, which not only marched in parades, but traveled the Eastern seaboard re-creating the marches and battles of the war 200 years hence. He often donned his authentic uniform to visit classrooms and give lessons about the war.
Perhaps most memorably, Gerry embraced the spirit of Santa Claus. He started playing Santa in in the 1950s and just kept going! He visited schools, churches, offices, and private family parties -- he would never take money for his visits. Upon learning of his passing, one family friend said, “It is surely Christmas for the angels.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara S. Cox of Derry, and is the beloved father of Gerry Cox of Long Beach CA, Chris Cox and his wife, Shirley, of Derry, Sean Cox and his wife, Debbi, of Derry, Cathy Frankel and her husband, Tim, of Penacook NH, and Kelly Semple and her husband, Ted, of Portsmouth NH. He delighted in being grandfather to Andrew Frankel, Caitlin Cox, Joshua Cox, Megan Frankel, Daniel Cox, Ariel Frankel, Courtney Cox, Samantha Cox, and Ryan Cox. He is also survived by his devoted siblings – brother Jim Cox and his wife, Stella, of Fayetteville NY, brother Ken Cox and his wife, Pat, of The Villages FL, sister Bobbie Cornish and her husband, Don, of North Eastham MA, sister-in-law, Kaye Cox of Belmont MA – and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Dick.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 11th at 2:00pm at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 63 East Broadway in Derry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s memory to the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Webster Council at 571 Holt Avenue, Manchester NH 03109 (www.scouting.org), or St. Luke's Church at 63 East Broadway, Derry NH 03038. In honor of Gerry’s long-time status as an American Red Cross 100-gallon donor, his family encourages everyone to give blood.
* Gerry was only about six hours away from his birthday. His family has decided that he put in the lion’s share of the work to wrap up his 76th year, and so they’re giving it to him. Happy birthday, Dad.