Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Gersz Obituary
Thomas J. Gersz Sr., 80, of Yalesville, died Friday, February 7, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the loving husband of Genevieve (Kras) Gersz of 56 years.
He was born in New Haven, March 29, 1939, a son of the late Ignatius and Mary (Hilinski) Gersz. Tom graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven and then received his Bachelors, Masters, and Sixth-Year degrees from Southern Connecticut State University in biology and administration. While in college, Tom also played football and ran track.
He began his career in the Wallingford school system teaching biology and coaching football at Dag Hammarskjold Middle School. He became an administrator at Mark T. Sheehan High School, and then moved on to become principal at Derby High School. He ended his career at Cathedral School in Hartford and St. Mary's School in Newington. Throughout his career, Tom was known to be firm but fair, and always believed "every child could be reached."
As a devoted husband and father, you could always find Tom watching and cheering on his family at games, concerts and recitals. He was an avid sports fan, rooting for his Red Sox, New York Giants and UConn Huskies.
In addition to his wife Genevieve, he is survived by his children Donna Kirby and her husband Jonathan, Carolyn Nielsen and her husband Joseph, and Jonathan Gersz and his wife Heather; and his grandchildren Emily, Rebecca and Ryan Gersz, Caitlin and Jonathan Kirby, Cameron and Hannah Nielsen, and Gavin and Bowen Gersz. Tom was predeceased by his son, Thomas Gersz, Jr.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Tuesday, February 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the funeral home when the funeral cortege will proceed to Our Lady of Fatima Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.
www.wallingfordfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gersz
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
Danielle Heroux-Hammon
February 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss to the Gersz Family. And to every student that he touched. A great man, teacher,neighbor and friend. God Bless.
February 13, 2020
So sorry to have read about the passing of Tom.
I was a counselor at Derby High School during Tom's tenure at Derby High. Always had the utmost respect for him. My thoughts and prayers are with You all at this time.
Henry Rondini
The Villages, FL
Mike gannon
February 13, 2020
Tom was always respected in the education community, for his skill and his level-headedness. He seemed continuously upbeat. He has left a great legacy for friends and family. Both family and friends have a host of special memories to support them as they grieve the loss of this fine man.
Bob and Mary Ann McDonald
February 12, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gersz family at this time. I was a classmate and friend of Tom's at Notre Dame High School '57.
Brendan Farley
February 12, 2020
Dear Gersz Family -
I am so sorry to hear of "Big Tom's" passing. I wish I was closer to be able to share my condolences in person. I will always remember Mr. Gersz as a great example of how to be a loving father, educator, and coach and challenge the people around him to do their best. It is not always an easy role to play, but I know I was better for being around him. His legacy shines through one of the best families I have had the honor of knowing, and thousands of students and athletes he served throughout his career. May he rest in peace.
Mary Levine
February 12, 2020
Dear Carolyn please know youre in my thoughts and prayers Im so sorry about the loss of your father
Herb Anderson
February 11, 2020
Its a sad day when an amazing man like Mr. Gersz passes. He inspired me to be best at what I do in life which I did. Very few people have such a gift. Through the years I have thought of him time to time and wondered how he was doing. The least I could do is to tell his family what a great person he was. God bless you Mr. Gersz and your loving family.
Herb Anderson Sheehan High 1975
Michele Bloom
February 11, 2020
Dear Carolyn, Donna, Caitlin, and family,
Sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. May your memories bring you comfort. Thoughts and prayers, the Blooms-Scott, Michele, Sarah & Dianna
Geraldine Spadacenta
February 11, 2020
Dear Genevieve so very sorry for loss.
Patricia Kohl
February 11, 2020
To the Gersz family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. Mr. Gersz was my biology teacher, and his class was one of my favorites. The world needs more teachers like him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 11, 2020
To The Gersz Family:
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Having been a music teacher for many years in Wallingford, I knew Tom senior, but I also had the great pleasure to teach all the children as well. Wonderful family and my heart goes out to all. Tom's positive affect on numerous students lives will live forever.
Fred Rossomando
Harry Walters
February 11, 2020
I am sad to hear of his passing, he was my principal at Derby High School and I have fond memories of him, he was a fair person and always looked out for me, may he Rest In Peace
Robeert. M. Neubauer
February 11, 2020
Ginny, Donna, Carolyn and Jon:
Our sincere condolences to you for the loss of your husband and father.
I have know Tommy Sr. for over 50 years and have always considered him to be a great leader and educator.
During my years at Mark T. Sheehan High School, I always knew that he was behind his teachers as our administrator, and always considered him to be my good friend.
He was very proud of his wife and children and their accomplishments, and I want you all to know, along with Tommy Jr., that he "popped" his buttons with that smiling face, every time he spoke of you. You, as his family should be very proud of his accomplishments, just as were are as educators
under his administration. Please know that many faculty and friends are better people for knowing him.
I will miss his smiling face and his encouragement during my teaching and coaching days, and I have always appreciated his kind words.
My wife, Jan, and I share your loss.
Rest in Peach, my friend!!!
Coach Bob and Jan Neubauer
Kim Berthiaume
February 11, 2020
Carolyn & Family .... I'm so very sorry for the loss of your father. It is so hard to say goodbye. My love and prayers are with you and your family also. Kim Berthiaume
Steve & Carlynne Fisher
February 10, 2020
Ginny and family, Our sincere sympathy to you and your family . Since our kids
all grew up in the same neighborhood there was the laughter and wonderful noise of kids playing outside. Tom was always playing in the pool or playing ball outside . Dads' leave a special bond with their kids and grandchildren. He will be missed, but the loving memories will sustain you. May God wrap his arms around you at this most difficult time. Steve & Carlynne
Donna McKee
February 10, 2020
Mr Gersz was the Assistant Principal at Mark T Sheehan HS while I attended there during the years 1974-1978. He was great leader and supportive to me many many times as I needed guidance from strong adults. I will never forget his support and concern for all the students he supervised. RIP Mr Gersz. May God welcome you home and comfort your loved ones in this time of grief.
February 10, 2020
Dear Mrs Gerssz and family, I never had your husband as a teacher at Dag Hammerskjold but my friends at school did and he was always loved and respected. I will always remember
Mr.Gersz in the basketball games with the students versus the teachers. He was simply a great guy and teacher. He will always be remembered in such a loving way. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Betsy McCarty Parisi
Wayne Carothers
February 10, 2020
RIP Coach at Dag you taught us to never give up. My memories of you were always good ones.
Marion and Frank Biggs
February 10, 2020
I have known Tommy since we were 6yrs old going through St Stanislaus polish school In New Haven...many happy memories growng up...He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Shannon
February 10, 2020
Dear Gersz Family,
My. Gersz was my principal at Derby Upper School in the late 80s. He was always so kind and fair. You all have my deepest condolences
Dr. Stephen Hoag
February 10, 2020
Mr. Gersz was my homeroom teacher at Hammarskjold in 1964 and was always kind to me. I was blessed to have never lost touch with him over the years in his career travels. Many years later when he was principal at Derby High School I performed a program compliance review of his school as a member of the State Department of Education, and it was a steady stream of shared memories in between the protocols of compliance. Thank you Mr. Gersz for all the years.
February 10, 2020
To the Gersz family,
I remember Mr.Gersz as a gentleman and leader of our school. He was the principal of Derby high school in the 1980's. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Ron Luneau
Debbie Gresh
February 10, 2020
Ginny, so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
MICHAEL MENDYKA
February 10, 2020
My condolences to the Gersz family. I was an assistant football coach at Moran Middle School, Tom's Dag teams arch rival. Tom always had my respect for his fair play and competitiveness. Later my Mom and Dad would always tell me that he would greet them after seeing them at mass at Our Lady of Fatima. I appreciated his kind words to them. Perhaps they will greet him as he goes Home. God bless Tom. God bless.
February 9, 2020
I am sorry he is gone. Tom was a courageous man and was the reason I had a career in education. I owe him a lot.
It is a sad day. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Paul Reynolds
Patti Pontolillo
February 9, 2020
Ginny, So sorry for your loss. You always spoke so lovingly of Tom and your family when we worked together at MediQuik. I am sure Tom reached many children during the many years he spent as an educator. My thoughts prayers are with you.
Anthony Lucibello
February 9, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to you John and your family.
Dorothy Celata
February 9, 2020
Sorry for your loss. He was my teacher over 50 years ago and left a lasting impression.
Scott Baur
February 9, 2020
Mr Gersz was assistant principal when I was at Sheehan, he was a great guy. I was working with the town on his road a few years ago, I went up to him and he remembered me from my Sheehan days, my condolences to his family
Debra Michelson
February 9, 2020
Ginny, I am so sorry for you and your family. Loved Tommy as a teacher and a friend. Eliot & Deb Michelson(Magliochetti).
Joan Pashley-Baynes
February 9, 2020
The Pashley family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We all respected Tom and appreciated what he did for Wallingford and especially the Sheehan High School community. May you all have peace.
Deborah Rosson
February 9, 2020
Sending condolences to the entire Gersz family. Mr Gersz was assistant principal at Sheehan High School when I attended as a member of the first freshman class from 1972 to 1975. He was indeed firm but fair. My sister, Kristen, is best friends with Donna since their high school days. Our mother, Shirley Olson, was a colleague of Toms and had great respect for him. Tom will be missed by so many but our memories of him will live forever. With love and blessings, Deborah Rosson
Kathy Moran
February 9, 2020
Mrs. Gersz and family, I am so sorry to read of Mr. Gersz passing. My thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Diane Lawlor-Heinrich
February 9, 2020
Ginny so sorry for your loss. I remember all the stories you used to tell about him while we were working. May he Rest In Peace.
Glenys Lawrence
February 9, 2020
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prays are with you and your family
Patricia Murano
February 9, 2020
Ginny & family, Nick & I are so sorry for your loss. Tom was such a wonderful man, We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Caitlin Kirby
February 9, 2020
Poppy was a devoted family man and never missed out on any of my dance recitals or accomplishments.❤ I loved him more than anything and will miss him dearly.
Deborah Forgione
February 9, 2020
My deepest sympathies Irene to you and your three beautiful children on the passing of their grandfather.
Dick & Judy Czerwinski
February 9, 2020
We are sad to learn of Toms passing. We are happy remembering our lovely chat reminiscing at Easterns 20th anniversary dinner. Love to all, Dick & Judy Czerwinski
Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Gersz's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Gersz
Feb
11
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
Feb
12
Funeral service
9:00 a.m.
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
Funeral services provided by:
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Gersz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
