Gerald M. Gilday

LOWELL -- Gerry Gilday, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and life-long friend passed away peacefully at his home in Tyngsboro, MA on November 18, 2015.  He was 77.

Gerry was the loving husband of Frances M. (Szczypinski) Gilday with whom he shared 54 years of marriage and a wonderful loving family.  Gerry and Fran lived in the Centerville section of Lowell for decades, and were members of the Holy Trinity Parish, before moving to their lakeside home in Tyngsboro in 1998.

Born in Lowell on February 11, 1938, he was a son of the late Frederick J. and Rose I. (Martin) Gilday.  Gerry was pre-deceased by his older brothers, Frederick Jr., John, and Robert, and his sister, Maureen (Griffiths) Gilday.  He received his early education at Saint Peters Elementary School, was a graduate of Lowell High School with the Class of 1956, and later earned an Associates Degree.

Gerry served in the Navy in the late 1950s at Boca Chica Field in Key West and on the destroyer, USS COLLETT (DD-730).  He was immensely proud of his service and was honorably discharged in 1959.

Upon returning to Lowell, he began working at the New England Telephone Company where he continued for 32 years. Gerry was a proud member of the IBEW Local 2321 for years before assuming a management position with the NYNEX Corporation.

Gerry was a lifetime member of the East End Social Club as well as the ELKS. He also served his community as a member of the Lowell Conservation Committee and as Executive Director of the Lowell Conservation Parks and Trust.

Gerry and Fran enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially their grandchildren, and hosting family gatherings at their lakeside home.  He was most proud of his "Gilday-Days" family reunions.

In addition to his devoted wife, Frances, he is survived by 4 sons and one daughter and their families, including:  Michael M. Gilday, a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, his wife, Linda, of Alexandria, VA, and their sons Brian and Michael; Mark F. Gilday, Senior Business Development Manager at DirectEnergy, his wife, Kathleen of Pelham, NH, and their children Kaitlin, Mark Jr. and Rose; David C. Gilday, Founder and President of Gilday Enterprises, his wife, Maureen of Troutville, VA, their daughter, Cynthia (Gilday) Pilegaard, her husband, Eric, and their children Aurora, Jens, Celine, and Raphael, as well as son David Jr., his wife, Lindsey, and daughter Chelsea and son, Derek; Brian M. Gilday, Founder and President of Aha Consulting, his wife, Tracy, of West Lynn, OR, and their children, Nevin, Maura, and Sophia; Mary Joy (Gilday) Gasdia, Account Manager at Aha Consulting, her husband, Gary, of Hudson, NH, and their children Jack, Lindsay, and Ryan.

He also leaves a long list of loving and caring friends.  He cherished these friendships, cared deeply for each, and was always grateful for their love and support.