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Gerard Vacca Obituary
1959-2015
Gerard Vacca, 56, passed away August 13, 2015. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Sunday, August 16, 2015, Emanu El Cemetery, 8341 Bissonnet, Houston. Visit houstonjewishfunerals.com for a detailed obituary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerard Vacca
Sponsored by Houston Jewish Funerals.
Mother
August 10, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jeffrey C Mason
July 2, 2025
We shall not forget this man.
Sean
August 10, 2024
While we all miss Gerard, there is plenty of things in today´s world where we can still hear his voice and humorous opinions!
Angie and Ruth Stone
August 9, 2023
We do remember Gerard, fondly. We had a couple of photography assignments with him and belonged to the same photography club. He was a wonderful man. He welcomed us in the club and saw to it that we were made welcomed by all. He always went out of his way to share photography tips and gave positive critique to all our work. Gerard became a sweet and cherished friend. I was just heartbroken when he passed and even now feel the sadness that he´s no longer here. I miss you, Gerard
Alice Bitton
October 30, 2019
We miss you you we're always there when we needed you. Always smiling
Lisa Boesen
August 9, 2019
He was such a gentleman. A man rarely seen these days. Sometimes my husband and I question ourselves, what would Gerard do or say about something? He knew everything about so much but was so humble and kind. We miss him to this day. How fortunate to have had him in our lives. Our lives are better for it.
Heather Graff
November 14, 2016
Landing at Vanderbilt in the fall of 1977 Gerard was one of the first persons I met. We were in Freshman English together. He was the first "Texas Gentleman" I'd ever known and True Gentleman he was indeed. An old soul , much wiser and kinder than most of our peers.
Gerard introduced me to Shavot - and it remains to me a sacred memory.
Rhonda , you were truly blessed. May God comfort you in your loss.
Heather Birt Graff
Vanderbilt '81
July 3, 2016
After we left the Houston Club several years ago, we lost contact with Gerard and Rhonda, although we thought about them often. Gerard and Rhonda were so exceptionally kind to "ferry" me and my wife to Houston Club events about during my recuperation from a torn Achilles tendon repair, when I could not drive. Gerard was one of the more kind and insightful people I have known. In terms of intelligence and compassion, he and Rhonda seemed to be a perfectly matched couple.
We had planned to wish Gerard a happy birthday today on Facebook when we learned of his way untimely death. Our deepest sympathies to Rhonda and apologies for not adding to what must have been a multitude of tributes to Gerard at his memorial service. He was truly a modern Renaissance man.
Rick & Marva
May 26, 2016
Just yesterday my daughters and I were thinking of the fond memories we had when Gerard took her senior pictures. We longed to go back to the place he took us during that photo shoot. I have another daughter graduating next year, and I know it can't be duplicated, because he made it special. We miss you all over again.
James Sidd
November 5, 2015
Yesterday, I received my copy of Vanderbilt Magazine, and was both shocked and saddened to read of Gerard's passing. Gerard and I were friends and fraternity brothers at Vanderbilt from 1977-1981. Although I lost touch with Gerard after graduation, I was so pleased to read how positively he touched the lives of so many since leaving Nashville. I will always cherish the fond memories of his company. My deepest condolences to all of Gerard's family and friends.
James Sidd
November 5, 2015
September 8, 2015
Deepest sympathy to the Vacca Family.My Son and I were stunned to hear of his passing.Gerard was my Sons wedding photographer and he was excellent. We truly miss him. John and JW McDonald.
David Victor
August 19, 2015
I extend my deepest sympathies to Gerard's wife, family and friends. Gerard, you will always be a treasured friend to me. It's hard to believe that 38 years have gone by since we first met at Vanderbilt. I cherish the memories of all the laughs and crazy times we shared as friends, frat brothers, and fellow "scholars," including our cruising around Nashville in your huge red Cadillac that you lovingly named "Roxanne" (aka "The "Battleship Texas") friendship continued long past our first forays into the "real" world.
One of my favorite examples of your keen sense of humor and your ability to put everyone at ease was when you were a groomsman at my wedding. Just before everyone was to take his place in the ceremony, you loosened me up everyone by starting a doo-wop chorus of The Platters' "With This Ring."
A true gentleman of classiness, graciousness, and superb humor, you will be deeply missed by all of us who have had the privilege to know and love you.
August 18, 2015
gerard, I will miss you until the day I die.
You were my rock, chiefly after your father died. You' re the one that kept me going.
linda gale
August 17, 2015
Paulette, I was so sorry to read about your brother's passing. From what I have read, he was a remarkable person who touched many lives. You are in my prayers. Linda Gale
Eva Pataki Alan Fields MD
August 17, 2015
We were so privileged to have known Gerard. He was a true Renaissance man. He was kind, a great listener and always made you feel special. We shared some wonderful times with him and Rhonda and feel devastated that so many future plans will no longer be realized due to his premature passing. Our condolences to Rhonda and Gerard's family. What a terrible loss. When some say Life is not fair his untimely passing is proof positive. We cherish his memory and will always fondly remember our times together. He was a Mensch.
With love Eva and Alan
Matt McClure
August 17, 2015
My deepest condolenses to the Vacca family. Gerard was one of my best friends when were in college together, back when we were all innocent and thought we owned the world. From fraternity brother, to roomate, to groomsman in my wedding, I will always cherish my memories of Gerard. Looking back, those old days are as vivid to me now as they were at the time. I will sorely miss my old friend Gerard and only now realize how much he meant to me.
eugenie kleinerman
August 17, 2015
My deepest and sincere sympathy for the loss of your beloved Gerard. I am saddened that I was out of town and not able to attend the funeral. Please know that you are in my thoughts, prayers heart. Anything I can do to help you, any distraction please ca on me. You are a great lady in your own right and were blessed with a living strong marriage. With all my love, GENIE
Kelly Limbaugh
August 17, 2015
Gerard you were a good friend to me during our Rodeo Wine Garden days. I will miss you!! Rest in Peace and may God bless your family
Sharon Desrosiers
August 17, 2015
I have had the privilege of watching Gerard photograph the seniors at YES Prep-SW for the past several years. He was always gracious, kind and patient. I will miss his contribution to the celebration of our graduates. May God bring peace and love to his family.
Olga Gomez-Durrett
August 16, 2015
May God give the family peace and serenity dusting this difficult time"
Doug Gerlach
August 16, 2015
May you rest in peace my friend. Thank you for your friendship, you will not be forgotten. God bless your family.
August 15, 2015
It was so evident, in the brief opportunity I had to share Gerard's company with Rhonda and the friends who introduced me to them both, what gracious & genuine souls they are. I believe such authenticity is never ended by death, but continues to live on. Only the exterior of the vessel is changed. My heart goes out to Rhonda, all others of Gerard's family, & all of us who feel this loss with them, for the very tender grief that this change brings. May we haul the rigging for one another's vessels, as we each work to stay between the shores, sailing The River, following in Gerard's wake.
August 15, 2015
Gerard was the best man at my wedding. While I went on my honeymoon, Gerard stayed at my home presumably to have a vacation in the Seattle area. At my home was a large box which contained numerous pieces that needed to be assembled to construct a large desk. Upon my return from my honeymoon, the box was empty and the desk was assembled--that was the type of thoughtful person Gerard was and remained throughout his life.--Mike Morgan
Whitney Q
August 15, 2015
May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15) My sincerest sympathy.
Joey Cazares
August 15, 2015
My condolences to the Vacca family. Who could forget Gerard. Even back in high school, his intelligence always would shine thru. My prayers are with him and his family.
Angie Stone
August 15, 2015
Gerard was always a kind and sweet friend from the day I first met him. I so enjoyed the few times we worked together and learned much from him during those assignments. I will miss him in many ways. I send prayers to his family for strength to get through this sad and difficult time. Good-night Gerard. Rest peacefully, my friend.
Lisa Boesen
August 15, 2015
Mike and I will miss Gerard's intellect and joie de vivre. We will greatly miss his hospitality and generosity of heart. Having Gerard in our life has made us better people. Our hearts are with Rhonda and the family. Mike and Lisa Boesen
Lisa Boesen
August 15, 2015
Mike and I will miss Gerard's intellect and joie de vivre, but mostly we will miss his generosity and hospitality of heart. Having a life with Gerard has made us better people. We love you, Gerard. Our hearts are with Rhonda and the family. Mike and Lisa Boesen.
Larry Fry
August 15, 2015
Gerard, I know that you're now in a better, more peaceful place. Peace be with you and your family for eternity!
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