Stephen David Gerard

LAS CRUCES - Stephen David Gerard, 80, peacefully left the Earth on January 4, 2026. Born in Washington, D.C. on March 11, 1945, Stephen was the son of Robert Frank Gerard and Pearl Sarah Zuckerman Gerard. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and his niece, Julie Kovar.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Lopez Morales, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, his sister Irene Cantor and her husband Steve, his brother Mitch and sister-in-law Eileen Gerard, and brother Bruce and sister-in-law Deborah Gerard as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Stephen inherited a welcoming Morales family to include daughter Cristina Apodaca, son Marcos with Amparo Apodaca with 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson, brother-in -law Richard Morales (Angelina), sister-in-law Frances Mary Martinez Padilla (Ignacio), sister-in-law Maria Guadalupe Morales (Rodolfo Jr. deceased), brother-in-law Gilbert Morales (Leticia) and all their children.

Stephen grew up in the Bronx and on Long Island. He attended Rose Washington Elementary School and Hempstead High in Roosevelt. At Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He headed to the west coast for his first job. It was during this time that Stephen was diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to return to New York with Pearl's help. Memorial Sloan Kettering managed his care during the tender age of early 20's. The complications from this condition prevented him from enlisting in the Army. However, this situation provided the pathway for attaining the Master of Science, Operations Research Degree at his alma mater, the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.

Stephen ventured into the world of computer programming through multiple employment opportunities, not the least of which included Pfizer Permanente, Bureau of Indian Affairs in Albuquerque, NM, and small businesses in South Carolina and El Paso, Texas. He taught computer programming at El Paso Community College and at the University of Pheonix in Sunland Park, NM. He was retired at the time of his passing.

Stephen had a love of cars, old and new, influenced by his work at the gas station owned by his father and uncle. NASCAR races were his thing – in person and televised! Reading was his love – especially by John Grisham! He thoroughly delighted in listening to Mozart and Bach. Stephen was Jewish - taking pride in his heritage. He often described the Jewish traditions experienced with his parents and grandparents. Stephen celebrated the week of Chanukah each year. His presence will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A collaborative Christian/Jewish service is date of service at La Paz Grahams Funeral Home 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88005. Rather than send flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity or opt to contribute to the Julie Kovar Fund in memory of Stephen located at The Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, Connecticut, 06525-2548.

Reception to celebrate Stephen's Life will follow. Details pending currently.