Gerald M. Goolkasian Jr.

Gerry was a man of great wisdom with a heart of gold. I can't imagine the world without him. He was vital in all the best ways. He embraced beauty in the world, he got to work when it was math he had to teach, he made the effort to bring new technology forward to artists. I was just looking him up because I thought I might see him at an event I had seen him at before, to see this page. I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences to all the family who filled his heart and days so well.

Putt putt will never forget you

I knew Gerry when we met as art students at UMass- sharing drawing classes there, playing pick-up basketball on the courts together, living in the Butterfield Residential Dorm, and finally as off-campus housemates at 222 Belchertown Road in Amherst with 4 other friends. He was always full of energy and joy. Highly competitive- he had a great jump shot- but never mean or selfish towards teammates, or others in general. He was funny, and creative. I recall one largish acrylic painting he made...

I don't have many teachers that I remember or that had a lasting impact on me. I didn't have close or memorable relationships with any of my teachers growing up in Lexington. But I had occasionally thought about Mr. Goolkasian. He was my math teacher at Clarke in 2011. He was always kind and funny and honest. I remember sometimes he would have voice squeaks and he would joke about how he was going through puberty again. I still remember that to this day. He was a great teacher and human...

In 1980 I was a nerdy 8th grader at Jonas Clarke Junior High. It was Mr. Goolkasian's first day teaching at our school. I was such a BRAT in his class that day. The next day he called me out on it. He took me aside and asked my "why don't you like me?" I felt so ashamed, because in reality I thought he was so cool! From then on I was determined to make it up to him. Mr. Goolkasian was the first male teacher I had that was under the age of 30. I vividly remember being able to go to his...

I knew Gerry through his work as a daily substitute for Belmont Public Schools. I will always remember his enthusiastic personality, larger than life. His passing was a shock to all who knew him here. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I remember Gerry from Jr. High and High School. Always made me smile to talk with him. Rest in peace my friend.

Mr. Goolkasian has had such a positive impact on my son's middle school experience. My son doesn't play sports but he loves Dungeons and Dragons, and Mr. G ran the most wonderful summer camp and after-school program for D&D players. My son has made friends and found a wonderful source of social connection and brain exercise through Mr. G's camp and classes. My family will always be grateful to Mr. G for this excellent program, which benefits greatly from the leadership he provided and...

We are all still in shock here at Lexington Community Education/Lexplorations.
I wrote and posted a remembrance on our LCE website this morning. If the link below works, it's worth going on to see some amazing pictures of Gerry that he sent to us over the years: https://lexingtoncommunityed.org/remembering-gerry-goolkasian-1955-2020-master-of-dragons-and-king-of-hearts/
If the link does not work from this legacy site, the text of the remembrance is here:

Master of...