Joanne Eloise Gerrity, 88, of Largo, FL, passed away Thursday February 2, 2017, at the Oak Manor Healthcare Center. Joanne was born September 2, 1928 in Allentown, PA to Robert and Marguerite Laubach. In 1993, she and her husband, Joseph “Jack”, moved to Naples, FL, where they enjoyed their retirement years. In 2007, they moved to Largo, FL.
After graduating in 1946 from Northampton High School, Joanne earned her undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College in 1950. Joanne and Jack resided in Basking Ridge, NJ for over 40 years, where they raised their three children. She retired from the Bernards Township School System in New Jersey, where she taught Physical Education at Oak Street Junior High School and William Annin Middle School from 1965-1987.
She was preceded in death by Jack Gerrity, her loving husband of 56 years, as well as her sister Annie Jean Moll. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Farrell and her husband Gary; two sons, Michael Gerrity and his wife Debbie, and Patrick Gerrity; her five grandchildren, Denise Joplin, Robert, Ryan, Matthew and Meghan Gerrity; and her sister, Mary Zirinsky, from Catasauqua, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation (www.thehospicefoundation.org) or to a charity of your choice.
A Funeral Mass will be conducted in her honor at St. Jerome Catholic Church on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11:00AM. The church is located at 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo, FL 33774.
Arrangements were entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater, FL 33760.
Our condolences Kathy and Gary on the loss of Kathy’s Mother.love from the Smiths and Oosterkamps.
On the few occasions I had the opportunity to see Kathy’s mom, I enjoyed giving her the hugs that Denise (her granddaughter) would ask that I pass along. Love Love Love to the families at this time.
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Jo’s family. She was such a special lady, and a Mom to all of us.
See you again someday Mom, I love you, and I know you “love me more”
Bob & Sandy Hall
Jo and I came to know each other at church. We always sat together and also went out to lunch together several times. What a warm and delightful woman she was. My deepest sympathy to her family on the loss of this wonderful and loving woman.
I’m so sorry Kathy & Gary. Your Mom was a great lady! I always enjoyed her company.. She will be missed.
Sure will miss this beautiful lady every Saturday @ 4 o’clock Mass. She was a real sweetheart!
Dear Patrick, please know we are thinking of you at this very sad and difficult time..Your mom was a very special person, mother and friend who was just a joy to be around and made people feel comfortable..I enjoyed the conversations I have had with her and will miss that…please take care of yourself..God Bless You ..Teri & Kris
Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Haven’t seen her or you in a very long time but the memories I have of her were a caring & lovely lady. Hugs to you.