Gerard "Jerry" Ethier

Gerard "Jerry" Ethier

Greenfield, MA - Gerard "Jerry" Richard Ethier, 79, passed away on February 7, 2025, at CareOne in Northampton after an illness and declining health.

Jerry was born on February 26, 1945, to Rudolph and Anna (Kiefer) Ethier. He attended Holy Trinity School in Greenfield and St. Michael's High School in Northampton. As a child, he had a paper route in Greenfield for many years. After high school, he served in the Army National Guard.

Jerry worked at the former Lunt Silversmith before co-founding Mercy Ambulance Service in Greenfield in 1970 with his brother, Philip. Together, they operated the service for many years, providing essential care to Greenfield and surrounding communities. After Mercy Ambulance was sold to Baystate Medical Center, Jerry continued managing the chair car service and dispatch operations. Even in retirement, he remained dedicated to helping others by volunteering as a chair car driver and working at the front desk at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. Jerry was proud to have served as an EMT for 50 years.

Jerry was deeply involved in his community. He served as president of the Greenfield High School Music Parents Association while his son, Jason, was in the band. Under his leadership, the association raised over $30,000 to purchase much-needed new uniforms. Seventeen years later, when his daughter, Emily, was involved in music, he once again stepped up to support fundraising efforts. Later, as a UMass Marching Band Parent, he enjoyed participating, this time, just for fun.

Jerry was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #133, serving as Treasurer for many years. He was also a devoted communicant of Blessed Trinity Church.

Six and a half years ago, Jerry reluctantly began dialysis, which he despised. In 2018, after the tragic passing of his nephew, Tim, the family discovered that Tim was a perfect kidney match for Jerry. Tim's family selflessly donated the kidney, a life-changing gift that allowed Jerry to regain his health and enjoy cherished trips to Cape Cod, Florida, and Hawaii. To Chip and Shari, the family is forever grateful for the extra time this gift gave him.

Jerry loved spending time at the Cape, visiting Disney World (almost yearly), cruising, and following the Red Sox and Patriots.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Martha (Parsons) Ethier; his son, Jason Higgins, daughter-in-law Mandy, and their two children, Connor and Austin, as well as Austin's fiancé, Kelly; and his daughter Emily, all of Greenfield.

He also leaves behind his brother Philip Ethier of Cape Cod, his sister Sue Nowicki and her husband Dave of Zephyrhills, FL; his mother-in-law, Shirley Parsons of Hadley; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Chip and Shari Parsons of Hadley; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bob and Heather Perry of Northampton and brother-in-law Dale Parsons of Phoenix, AZ. He also leaves his nieces and nephews Laura Perry, Amy Parsons, Ben and Alex Parsons, Jeff Ethier and his wife Danielle, and Marie Ethier, as well as several grand-nieces and nephews.

Jerry was predeceased by his brother, Richard Ethier.

A Memorial Mass will held on Wednesday 2/19 at 11am at Blessed Trinity Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal St. Greenfield, MA 01301.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday 2/18 from 4-7pm at Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St., Greenfield, MA 01301.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knights of Columbus, Council 133, P.O. Box 434, Greenfield, MA 01302, the Timothy E. Parsons Scholarship Fund, please make checks payable to Hopkins Academy Trustees and note "TP Scholarship" in the memo, and mail to Kara Karpinos, Treasurer, Hopkins Academy Trustees, 20545 Foxworth Circle Estero, FL 33928.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff on Floors 3 and 2, (Federal Unit), at CareOne in Northampton for their exceptional care and compassion during Jerry's final days.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home, For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.