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Northampton High School Cornell University

FUNERAL HOME

Czelusniak Funeral Home

173 North Street

Northampton, Massachusetts

Gerald Budgar Obituary

Gerald S. Budgar, a lifelong Northampton resident and prominent advocate for the city, passed away suddenly January 20 at Cooley Dickinson hospital.

Jerry was born in Northampton on December 4, 1946, the son of long-time City Councilor Leonard and Sarah Budgar. He was a graduate of Northampton High School and Cornell University.

A journalist early in his career, he wrote for the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Holyoke Transcript. After an award-winning tenure at the Albany Times-Union, he redeployed his editorial skills and established a communications consulting firm.

Jerry's great satisfaction derived from the many hours he dedicated to civic causes. He was an involved and active member of the Northampton community, serving on a number of boards and committees, including past president of the Ward Three Neighborhood Association, the Northampton Housing Authority's board of commissioners, Northampton Education Foundation, Meadows City Conservation Commission and Forbes Library, and a member of the Northampton Trust Fund Committee, among others. And because Polish culture piqued his interest, he worked tirelessly each year supporting the Pulaski Day parade.

Gerald leaves a brother, Lawrence and sister-in-law Janet of Glen Rock, NJ, nieces Rachel (Ben) Goldstein and Andrea (Andrew) Picone, and nephew Ethan. He also leaves several grandnieces and cousins, including Stephanie, Saadi, Louis and Matthew Motamedi. His parents predeceased him.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, January 24 at Congregation B'nai Israel synagogue on Prospect Street. Czelusniak Funeral Home is in charge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jerry's memory to the Northampton Education Foundation, other Northampton civic organizations, or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jan. 22, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Budgar

16 Entries

Jo Ella (aka 'Jada') Tarbutton-Springfield

January 16, 2024

Jerry was a role model and taught me a great deal, especially with his civic duties at the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA); and his leadership on the Northampton Housing Authority is sorely missed.

Margie Shapira

January 16, 2021

Hi Jerry, Larry and I miss you very much and I can almost imagine your thoughts on what we've all witnessed since the 2020 election esp. since you were a news junkie. But Larry would rather talk plants with you and both of us send our best to your brother Larry and to Stephie; we hope that in 2021 after we all get vaccinated, we can actually visit in person. How wonderful that will be!! Take care and remember that so many folks really miss you. Marge and Larry

Rich Ahearn

January 27, 2019

Jerry was a wonderful high school classmate and a unique individual who cared deeply about others. Much to his credit, he maintained his spirit and strong sense of purpose through a challenging illness. As a resident of Seattle, I do not return often to Northampton, but was delighted to be able to spend time and share warm memories with Jerry in September. I know I am among many who was touched by his unassuming kindness.

With gratitude and love,
Rich Ahearn,

Sydney Stern

January 26, 2019

Gerry was a force for encouraging us all to think about the best ways to serve our neighborhood, our Ward and our city. We worked with him over a number of years and are saddened by his passing.

Frank Werbinski

January 25, 2019

I was very sad to hear about Jerry's passing. A wonderful person that I was glad to know as a friend and working associate on several committees.

Tracy Taylor

January 24, 2019

Jerry was a wonderful person and Friend. Rest in Peace.

Karen and Fran Merrigan

January 24, 2019

We were fortunate to have Jerry as a neighbor at Lake Wyola for many years. Our entire family are saddened to hear of his passing, and will miss his presence at the party's during the summer. He was an interesting, smart man, and will be missed.

January 23, 2019

Just learned of Jerry's passing (from an email from the Ward 3 Board) my heart mourns from the loss of such a dedicated caring man. Jerry's legacy is an inspiration, may his spirit of leadership and commitment continue.

Jill BAILEY

January 23, 2019

So sad to learn of the passing of another NHS classmate and friend. Jerry was always happy, outgoing, and supportive. My condolences to his family....Bridge Strret just won't be the same without him.

Steve and Joan Levine

January 23, 2019

Jerry was a wonderful friend and was devoted to his family and community. He was appreciated and loved by all who knew him. Our condolences to his family for their loss.
Love, Steve and Joan

Steve and Joan Levine

January 23, 2019

Jerry was a wonderful friend and was devoted to his family and community. He was appreciated and loved by all who knew him. Our condolences to his family for their loss.
Love, Steve and Joan

Robert Szumowski

January 23, 2019

What a wonderful man. Glad I got to know him over the years.

Darlene Barton

January 23, 2019

We are so sorry to hear about Jerry. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. He always had a big smile when enjoying his time at Lake Wyola. We will miss him. From the Krol Clan (Chris, John, Stevie, Lauren, Bev, Dan, Nancy, Marc, Darlene, Craig and families)