Richard Gerry Jr.

Richard Gerry Jr. EDISTO ISLAND, SC - Richard Woodman Gerry, Jr., 73, of Edisto Island, SC died July 18th, 2013 at his home after a short but courageous battle with a Stage 4 Glioblastoma. He died as he lived, surrounded by friends and family. His warmth, fun loving spirit, and contagious sense of humor have marked the many people who knew and loved him. 'Papa Dick' was a surrogate father to an extended list of adopted sons and daughters and will be missed by far more than he engendered. Born June 1, 1940 in Portland, Maine to Richard Woodman Gerry Sr. and Corrine Paddock Gerry of Orono, ME, Dick spent his early years in Orono, where he was active in the Boy Scouts and achieved Eagle Scout. He graduated from Orono High School in 1959 and from the University of Maine at Orono in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Dick was a fraternity brother of Phi Gamma Delta, and active in the Charleston Chapter. He went on to get his Masters in Public Health from Yale University in 1969. In 1970 Dick moved to Charleston, SC where he worked as a health planner for the United Way. He then became a licensed insurance agent and started Planning Consultants, Inc. where he specialized in retirement and estate planning. He earned the esteemed Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Senior Advisor designations. Dick served as President of the Low Country Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and was an active liaison between the State and National Associations (NAIFA) until his death. Dick was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston and The James Island Yacht Club and enjoyed traveling, fishing and sailing EC12 radio controlled boats at a competitive level. Richard is survived by his soul mate, Suzanne Madsen of Edisto Island, SC, son James Howard Gerry of Williamsburg, NY, daughter Patricia Anne Gerry and husband Henry Smith of Clinton, NJ, son Richard Woodman Gerry, III and wife Rebecca Jane Gerry of Charleston, SC, brother Brian Thomas Gerry and wife Mary Ann Gerry of Old Town, ME, sister-in-law Dale Marie Ahearn Gerry of College Park, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was predeceased by his wife Martha Ann Sheheen Gerry and his younger brother Dale Francis Gerry. There will be a memorial service at Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston; date to be announced, and at Schoodic Lake, Lakeview Plantation, ME later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 98 Wentworth St., Charleston, SC, 29401. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston