William J. Gerrity

William J. Gerrity, community leader, teacher, coach and public official died at home in the presence of his loving family on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Born March 19, 1925, to the late William A. and Margaret Brown Gerrity, he resided in the same North Scranton home since birth.

Bill was a 1942 graduate of Holy Rosary High School where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After graduation he served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II seeing action in the Pacific from 1943-1946.

Bill was a 1950 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, where he majored in Physical Education and minored in History. While at ESU, he continued his athletic career playing on both collegiate and semi-professional teams. In 1948 he married Anne Murphy. They were married for 46 years until her death in 1994.

Bill loved sports, competition and mentoring area youth. His career as a sports official, teacher and coach began in the late 1940's at his alma mater, Holy Rosary, and later at South Catholic, where he coached football. Bill began his teaching career in the Scranton School District in 1950 as a Social Studies teacher at Scranton Tech. In 1951 he was appointed Health and Physical Education teacher at North Scranton Junior High, a position he held for 22 years. In the early years of his career Bill officiated track and field, swimming, basketball and football. He went on to be one of the most successful basketball officials from our area officiating in the state class AAA championship game. He was the former president of the Scranton Chapter PIAA basketball and PIAA football officials. He was also the former Big Eleven Football Conference Commissioner of Officials. Bill served as the City Summer Playground Director for many years. He instructed both student and adult driver education. He was an instructor at sports clinics and for over 30 years was a regular on the Sports Banquet circuit, serving as toastmaster and speaker.

During his tenure at North Scranton Junior High he coached championship teams that produced some of the best athletes in the city. In 21 years, his basketball teams won 369 games and lost 9. In his 15 years as baseball coach he produced a record of 182-4. However the most meaningful part of his time at North was the relationships that he developed with his fellow faculty members and students. Bill loved North and was deeply committed to the betterment of every student who passed through its doors. He had a gift for bringing out the best in his students and was a guiding factor in many young lives. He believed in fairness, honesty and hard work. He asked the same of his students. North students had the best in athletic programs due to his leadership including gymnastic shows and intra murals. To the end, the students he mentored at North remained loyal and close to Mr. Gerrity.

In 1973, Bill was appointed Supervisor of Health, Safety and Physical Education for the Scranton School District. Under his leadership, physical education and athletic opportunities for students of all abilities flourished in the District. He was a true advocate for the teachers in his department and supported their efforts. He directed Camp Stony Acres for students with special needs. He worked tirelessly for the Scranton School District Special Olympics serving as Chairman long after he retired from the School District in 1991. In his honor the District holds the Annual William J. Gerrity 5th Grade Physical Education Day and Track and Field Day.

Bill was a loyal Democrat party leader and served on Scranton City Council for three terms; 1966-70 and 1982-1990 and was Council President from 1984-1988. His accomplishments on Council were many, including the building of many of the city pool and recreation facilities, the mine reclamation and urban renewal projects of the 1960's and the building of the Steamtown Mall and restoration of the Erie Lackawanna train station. As a public servant, he was accessible to city residents and city workers. He believed in being a hands-on public official. In his tenure as President, he conducted meetings with decorum and he worked across party lines for the betterment of the City.

Throughout his career in education and politics, Bill was a community volunteer. He was a founding member and the current President of the Deutsch Institute Board of Directors, former President of the Green Ridge Lions Club, a member of Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Executive Committee, an original member of the North Scranton Amadan's and the Irish American Men's Association. Bill was a founder of the annual bazaar to benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor and Holy Family Residence. He served as chairman every year the Bazaar was held and was a recipient of many awards for his dedicated service to the Little Sisters including the Holy Family Residence Volunteer Award in 2011.

His dedication and service was recognized by our community. He was a pioneer inductee in 1983 to the Northeast Chapter Pa. Sports Hall of Fame. He received the Joe Butler Award for his contributions to sports. He was the 2006 Honorary Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. In 2001 he was the recipient of the Michael F. King Jr. Armed Forces Veteran Award by the St. Patrick's Day Parade Association. Bill was feted at two community testimonials in his honor in 1973 and 1984. He was featured in the 2006 Scranton Times Lions of Winter series that chronicled his many contributions to the community. His former students established an endowed scholarship in his name at the University of Scranton in 2007. In 2013, Perry Avenue Playground in North Scranton was named Bill Gerrity Park in his honor.

Bill was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Church, now Mary, Mother of God Parish. He served as block party captain for many years and was a member of the Alumni Association.

Always active Bill loved a game of racquetball and the company of good friends. He held memberships in many social clubs in the area including the Tauras Club. He was known for his Chili and the parties he enjoyed hosting at his home. His residence at 302 was known throughout the community for its beautiful flowers and decorations for every holiday, especially his Christmas display.

Of all the titles Bill held throughout his life, his most cherished and beloved was that of Papa. He was an adoring and involved grandfather to his three girls. He served as their trusted advisor and role model. He had a tremendous impact on their lives and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Bill's family is grateful to his family physician Dr. Thomas Minora and wants to thank the compassionate and dedicated staff of VNA Home Health and Hospice for their devoted and loving care of Bill over the past year.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Marylou Grogan and her husband, Michael, Scranton, and his three beloved granddaughters, Kelcey Grogan, Detroit, Mich.; Erin Grogan, Ashburn, Va.; and Molly Grogan, a senior at Boston College; daughter, Roseanne Gerrity and her partner, Inge Alexander, Ithaca, N.Y.; sister, Florence Ward, Waianae, Hawaii; family friend and longtime companion, Eleanor Kruk, Scranton; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Alice Micone.

The funeral will be Monday from the Edward Knight O'Donnell Funeral Home, 323 William Street, Scranton, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William Street, Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All those attending the funeral are asked to proceed directly to the church on Monday morning.

Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Deutsch Institute, 835 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510; Little Sisters of the Poor, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; William J. Gerrity Endowed Scholarship at the University of Scranton, 800 Linden St., Scranton, PA 18510; Mary, Mother of God Parish, 316 William St., Scranton, PA 18508; or the VNA Home Health and Hospice, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447.