Douglas Gerth

Douglas Gerard Gerth, passed away suddenly on June 22, 2025 at the age of 60 at his home in Needham, MA, a place he and his family lived for decades.

Born on March 11, 1965, Doug's childhood years in Oshkosh, WI were marked by curiosity, laughter, and golf. This early obsession with riding his bike to the municipal golf course would morph into a lifelong passion: a passion that was always in pursuit of the "perfect" round; be it in Wisconsin, Scotland, or anywhere with 18 holes and good company might be found.



In Oshkosh he attended Sacred Heart School and Lourdes Academy, where he began forming the characteristics-loyalty, wit, and stubborn-kindness-that would define him. Doug graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in English and, more importantly, met the love of his life, Margaret "Billy" Carpenter. They married on September 22, 1990, in Oshkosh and began their life together in the Chicagoland area before settling in Massachusetts, where they built a life full of laughter, music, friendships, and Packers football. Being a season ticket holder for the Green Bay Packers allowed him regular pilgrimages back to his homeland to visit friends and family.

Doug's love for his children was immeasurable and was proud of the values and character he instilled in them. EJ, his favorite son, was his partner in handyman projects and they delighted in sharing music with each other. Audrey, his favorite daughter, was his princess. She accompanied him to many sporting events and concerts near and far. During road trips with family, Doug was never one to drive past a museum without a quick stop to investigate.

Doug's generosity and humor made him the kind of neighbor and coworker everyone wished they had. He spent his professional life in sales, where his warmth and ability to genuinely connect with people led to success at companies including The Buckstaff Company, nCipher, and most recently, Wolf & Company, P.C.



Doug lived for golf trips with Billy and close friends and his appreciation for the game had little to do with scorecards and everything to do with stories, playlists, and shared moments. Off the fairway, he was the undisputed "King of the Mixtape," a devoted music nerd who believed every event needed a soundtrack and was always ready to recommend a deep cut-whether you asked for it or not.

Doug's legacy is one of joy, humor, music, and generosity. He leaves behind a mixtape of memories, a scorecard full of friendships, and a reminder to always nudge the ones you love.

Above all, Doug was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Doug was the beloved son of the late Don and Anita Gerth (Reiter) and brother to the late Mary Gerth. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Margaret "Billy" Gerth (Carpenter); his son, Edward "EJ" Gerth; his daughter, Audrey Gerth; and his sisters, Sue (Chip) Chiappetta, Donna (Bear) Karwoski, Anne Gerth, Sarah (JT) McDonald, and many nieces and nephews that loved any shenanigans with Uncle Doug. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 10th from 2-6pm at Blue Hill Country Club, 23 Pecunit Street, Canton, MA. This event will follow an open house format. You can come and go as you please during this 4 hour window. The color orange was a prominent wardrobe choice throughout Doug's life. Please feel free to wear orange in any way you'd like.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Doug's memory to the American Heart Association at https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/douglas-gerth