Gerald Albert Bond

GENEVA- Gerald Albert Bond, 81, of Geneva, New York, died on December 5, 2025, after a short illness. Jerry is survived by his wife Martha Bond; son Ben Bond-Lamberty (Monica); daughter Rachel Bond (Steve); grandchildren Maria, Anna, and Alex; sister Judy Marth; and niece Kate Ward. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert E. and Katherine Bond; and by his twin brother James.

Jerry graduated from Geneva High School in 1961 and received a B.A. from Williams College in 1965. Jerry was a competitive swimmer in high school and college, and swimming remained a lifelong activity. He and Martha married in 1966. During the 1960s, Jerry and Martha lived for several years in Europe, and frequent travel abroad remained a source of joy throughout their marriage.

After receiving a Ph.D. from Yale University in 1970, Jerry became a professor of foreign languages and comparative literature at the University of Rochester. In the early 1990s, he embarked on a second career, earning a Master's degree from Cornell University and ultimately starting his own business as a consulting arborist. He was an expert in native plants, published a book on urban tree health, and frequently spoke at professional conferences. Walks with Jerry invariably involved multiple stops along the way to examine and discuss trees and plants.

Jerry deeply loved the outdoors. He hiked the Long Trail in Vermont and much of the Tuscarora Trail in the Appalachians. At age 67 he summited the last of the 46 Adirondack 'High Peaks,' accompanied by his family and some celebratory sparkling grape juice. Closer to home, he relished walking with his dog in the woods, watching the sunsets over Seneca Lake with a glass of wine, planting trees on his property, and tending his extensive garden.

Jerry had a sharp and analytical mind, a wide array of interests, and bottomless curiosity about the world. He spoke multiple languages and was learning Portuguese until the week before he died. In his 50s, Jerry threw himself into the world of open-source operating systems, becoming one of the key leaders of MX Linux, a widely used version of the software. Jerry played the piano, was a whitewater paddler, and an enthusiastic, though not always successful, sailor. He loved being with his family, singing carols at Christmas, and setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Jerry was deeply loved and will be missed by his family and the many communities and people he touched. Charitable donations can be made to the Adirondack Mountain Club or Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Laurel House Comfort Care Home, whose staff and volunteers ensured that Jerry was peaceful and comfortable in his final days.

For tributes and condolences, please visit www.mcguiganberofuneralhome.com