FUNERAL HOME

Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family

3434 17th Street

San Francisco, California

Gary Gerard Obituary

Gary Gerard

Peacefully in this City, June 1, 2015 with his family at his side, devoted life partner of Monica Forsman, son of the late Joseph and Josephine, brother of the late Mark and Rick, survived by his brother Bernard, cousin Shirley Jordan, niece Cheryl (Pete, Nick and Zack) and the Mustari Family of New York.
Gary proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was a World Renown Leading Authority on Haircutting. As a platform artist, author, lecturer, educator and owner of Gerard's International Advance Haircutting Center of San Francisco In 1998 Gary was inducted into the Hairdressing Hall Of Fame.
A Memorial Service will be held at DUGGAN'S FUNERAL SERVICE, 3434 17th Street nr. Valencia on Sunday June 7, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Cremated remains will be returned to his hometown, Albany, NY. Mass and Committal Service dates TBD.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 3 to Jun. 6, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Gerard

Sponsored by Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family The Duggan Welch Family.

Not sure what to say?





Miss you every day buddy

Steve

November 20, 2023

Thank you Gary for the impact you had on my life. He was a very talented and charismatic teacher. He was also a lot of fun to be around. He mentored me and I rocked the chair and loved the industry. Thanks Gary and Monica.

Jeff Robinson

February 29, 2020

I know this is many years after Gary passed, however, we had moved away from San Francisco and lost touch with Gary and only found out after my Christmas card was returned this year! I am so sorry we didn't know. We met Gary when my husband was managing the Vagabond Hotel and he wanted to have his classes across the street from his house at the Vagabond. We had some really fun times with Gary and Monica over the years. It rally saddens me to know he has passed and we didn't know.

Lorraine Hamann

January 26, 2020

Gary touched so many lives with his love and kindness. Without Gary, I wouldn't be where I am today in the Great Industry.
So grateful for his love . May God Bless Monica & Bootsy forever...
Gary, we will always Love you. We know you are all around us throughout our days.
You are heavily missed.

JoAnna Orlando

Friend

May 28, 2019

Keith Taylor-Sharp

April 7, 2019

Joanie Pepitone

I started my hairdressing career with Gary in 1974. I was 22 & he was my 1st job..
Very soon after that, he opened the school,
& worked at BOTH jobs,assisting him by prepping the models or clients. We went to
the Long Beach Hair Show 4 years in a row.
When Monica & I shared a cabin,one year,she had HIM on her mind COMPLETELY.. the rest is history. I'm forever grateful to have worked with him, laughed with him,& celebrated holidays with him... Even after I left Geary St.to move on to Union St. in 1984. I STILL,
continued to help, when called. I will ALWAYS LOVE Gary & Monica,& ALL of the wonderfully creative people I've met thru the years. You know who you are. Maria, Caroline, Sylvia, Linda Dayton, Viola, Chester Chin,AND ALL the others, feel free to contact me if anyone wants. Love, Joanie
[email protected]
(707)961-6026
God Bless

Joanie Harris

June 20, 2017

May you Rest In Peace.
Chloe

Chloe Cochrane

April 20, 2017

My parents Andrew and Pat Tofini owned Andrews Tailors in SF. I'll never forget Gary. I always felt like I was around a celebrity just being next to him. He was so fun, so cool and charismatic. I was even lucky enough to be in one of his shows. I looked him up and I found this news. Makes me sad. Gary is unforgettable. May his memory be eternal.

Christine Tofini Cannizzaro

April 7, 2017

Gary, it's now April 9, 2016 - I just found out about your passing today from Hope at Gina Kahn. Feels weird thinking you're no longer in the world - you changed my world when I met you way back in the late 60s. I was always grateful for the way you took me under your wing when I was a naive little girl from the backwoods in Canada. I've never forgotten you...never had a better haircut either! RIP my hero, reading through the memories and condolences I can see you were well loved throughout your life! You'll not be forgotten. I don't know Monica but my heart and prayers go out to her and your family.

Beverley Huppert

April 9, 2016

Gary. Rest in peace. You gave much and will be missed

Patricia and Frank Donaldson

Frank Donaldson

March 29, 2016

Gary I will remember you always. I first saw you on main stage at Long Beach hair show, aboard the Queen Mary.When I saw you on stage I nee at that moment what I wanted to do. You always have been and always will be my inspiration.R.I.P. Robert Markert

Robert Markert

November 28, 2015

RIP. I am sadden by your passing. You were the best and the funniest guest artist at the hair shows I attended in OR and WA. I was always inspired by you. At a hair show I attended; Gary cut and styled my best friend Sybil M. on stage in Portland, OR. Sybil was an amazing model and Gary was an amazing hairstylist. At that time we were all young and cute/handsome and full of life! May your family find peace and comfort. Tears to you. Good bye and thanks for everything.
Sharon Madson Yakima, WA

November 27, 2015

I am saddened by the news of Gary's passing. My prayers are with the family.

Melodee Owen-Bailey

October 12, 2015

My condolences to the family, I am so saddened to see the passing of Gary. He touched so many lives and will be truly missed. So many great memories and his legend to this industry will live on always.

Brianna Bensinger

October 8, 2015

My condolence's to all of Gary's family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I just found out today about the tragic news. I was devastated when I had called his number and Monica told me. My heart was broken. I have known Gary since the 70's when he had his Salon around Maiden Lane. He was a great man. I am soooo very sorry. Gary will always be in my prayers, thoughts and heart and will never be for gotten.

Elaine Tobener

September 11, 2015

I am so sad to hear this news. I was just telling my girls that we would take a trip to see you and Boots again this year. Time goes so fast, seems as if we were just there but it has already been 2 year. WE will miss you xoxo.

Amber Pember

September 9, 2015

I'm proud to say I've walked the stage for and with him,,

chuck maples

September 7, 2015

You will be missed my friend!

Judy Lewis

August 5, 2015

I truly miss Gary Gerard. I feel






he taught me so much through the years. 23 years ago I was in Beauty School and was allowed to help him at a hair show in Billings Montana. He was and always be my idol. Monica was always a call away, and very helpful and professional. I will miss Gary Very Much!

Judy Lewis

August 4, 2015

Monica, I'm so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was one of the most talented, funny, interesting and humble people I've met. It was an honor to have known him. God Bless. Garry Smith

July 4, 2015

Gary was one of the funniest, crazyist,most creative people I have ever known. I worked at the school as an instructor and traveled with Gary around the U.S. promoting the product line. I never had more fun with another human being than I had with him.
Rest in piece my old friend, rest in piece.

Wayne Powers

June 25, 2015

Rest in peace Gary you were a dear friend amazing instructor and artist!
God bless all the family and my special condolences to Monica.

Love Julieann

June 22, 2015

My sincerest thoughts are with you, surrounding you in light and love at this time.....he was one of my idols from the beginning of my career. An inspiring and innovative educator.......got your wings now my friend.....Cyndy David

June 13, 2015

My deepest condolences to Gary's family.The international Hair industry and Hair industry through out the United States has truly lost a great Motivator and Educator . Gray great sense of humor and his generosity will be missed.
California Cosmetology Association
Member Diana Gomez

Diana Gomez

June 11, 2015

You will forever be in our hearts. Love Connie, Steve and family.

Steven Calarco

June 8, 2015

Gary was a great friend, motivator, educator and a super person.We did a lot together and had many a laugh and cherished moments.
My thoughts go out to his family, Monika and all the people that adored and loved him as much as I did. You will be missed my friend!
James (JJ) Keating and family in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

June 7, 2015

Gary Gerard was a dear friend of mine and a true soul,I will miss him dearly and always be grateful for putting me through school and Hes Spirit will live in me forever.God Bless you Monica my friend...
Joanna Orlando & Family

June 7, 2015

Gary has been a inspiration to me and countless other hairstylist for over 35 years. I remember the first time I set in one of his classes in Fresno Ca. Thank you Gary for your love and passion that you always shared with us for our industry. Your love for our craft lives on with me and many others. RIP Gary.

Galen Mckinzie

June 7, 2015

Gary could add excitement to any ballroom at any beauty show. His warmth charm and class was always a welcome site.He will be deeply missed by all.

jon Prill

June 7, 2015

Goodnight My Friend

Sharon Volanti

June 7, 2015

Gary had been a part of my family's life for over 30 years! I always enjoyed my time with him! I will miss him. My sincere condolences to Monica and his family.
-C Loo

June 6, 2015

Gary, beauty shows will never be the same without you. You were a trip, schlepping all of that stuff you sold up to your booth then back to the car to pick up more "stuff" to sell. You were like a pack mule hauling all of that show equipment. You were amazing the way you set up your booth so everyone knew where you were. You were never happier then when you had SRO at your classes, Your audience were devoted to you for what you taught them and the same old jokes you told them. The Summit is coming up and you won't be there...I will miss you.
Andre Nizetich

June 6, 2015

You were always fun to be around Gary. Maria, Jonie, Caroline and my self helped your start your first school. Great memories.
Sylvia Fama

June 6, 2015

Gary was in the beauty industry for many, many years. He truly had a passion for this business and it showed, whether he was on or off the stage. His enthusiasm to teach others was inspiring and motivating. I hope his memory continues to encourage those who knew him to be altruistic with their knowledge of the this profession.

Carol

June 6, 2015

RIP Gary, we were friends for many years, and shared many a show in the hairdressing industry. You will be missed. Derek Roe

derek roe

June 6, 2015

Gary was a fellow educator on the show circuit with me for some 30 years. Always selling like hell, with great humour and professionalism. And those 'after show' evenings in his SF home were legendary. From the UK (where I invited him often, but he never made it) RIP my humorous show warrior pal. Graham Webb

graham webb MBE

June 5, 2015

Gary you've been a lifelong peer to me and my family. Your sweetness, energy, and humility will be remember and cherished forever by me, my mother and and my sisters.

Lori Nestore

June 4, 2015

Gary thank you for believing in me enough to work on stage with you, it was years of fun , hard work, learning amazing new hair cuts ,and lots of laughs. I will miss you. And to Monica and his family I am so sorry for your loss Maria Leavitt

June 4, 2015

Gary was part of my life for 40 years. He turned my pathetic hair into something that people stopped me on the street to compliment. I miss him so much. He wasn't just my 'hair stylist,' he was my friend and my tank-driving pal (yes, he drove tanks in Korea, and when I got a bucket-list gift on a birthday a few years ago and got to drive a tank - Gary was thrilled and told me all of his tank stories!) I'll never be able to look at my hair without thinking of him and all the fun and laughs we always had. But he'll always be there with me. Forever.

Gleneda Borton

June 4, 2015

We really enjoyed work with Gary, we will miss you!!

Kenny Sun

June 4, 2015

My heart goes out to Monica and the rest of Gary's loved ones. It is so very hard to have someone that you love pass over to the other side. Think of Gary always smiling and laughing now that he is no longer in pain. Think of Gary being in a better place and in a position to watch over all those that he loved now. We will all miss Gary's energy and powerful presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sylvia Lohr

June 4, 2015

Was an honor, being on stage with you, at the West Coast Beauty Show. Even though you stole my models, lol, was a great experience.
You are missed, my friend.
Gary Waugh

June 4, 2015

Gary, thank you for the many years of your positive energy and happy spirit. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.

Nancy Hamlett

June 3, 2015

An incredible man whom I had the honour of working alongside ... Truly will be missed .
Bradgraham Kirner

June 3, 2015

Thank you for the laughs.

Annette Manning

June 3, 2015

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Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family

3434 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

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Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family

3434 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

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