June 26, 2019
Anderson, Gerhard T.
Gerhard T. Anderson “Gerry,” of Norfolk, MA, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 24, 2019. Gerry was born in Norwood, MA on September 11, 1942, to Roy A. Anderson and Elsie L. Thorn Anderson, he was raised in Westwood, MA. Gerry graduated from Westwood High School in 1960 and earned his Bachelors of Science in Plastics Technology from Lowell Technological Institute in 1966, now the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Gerry lived in Norfolk from 1975 until his passing in 2019. Gerry married the love of his life Elizabeth “Beth” Broman in 1975. The Anderson’s began their marriage in Norfolk and raised two children in their home on King Street. Gerry leaves behind beloved wife Beth, daughter Laurel Anderson of Waltham, MA, son Scott Anderson of West Palm Beach, Fl., sister Gail Anderson, her husband Ron Anderson of Plymouth, MA, and mother-in-law Carolyn (Cole) Broman of Orleans, MA. Gerry served in the US Airforce from 1967-1969 as an Operations Specialist at Otis Airforce Base on Cape Cod. After his time in the Airforce, he had a very full and successful career in plastics engineering. He began his employment at Byrd INC. in Walpole, MA. in 1969 as a Senior Process Engineer and most recently worked as an Extrusion Engineer with PPG Aerospace Cuming Microwave Corporation right up until his passing. Gerry described this job as his favorite and the highlight of his career. He loved the place, the people, and the projects. In between, he had other exciting engineering positions throughout Massachusetts. Gerry had a strong love of God, country, family. Faith and music defined him and were in every fiber of his being. His interest in music started at age five. At twelve he joined the Norwood Musicians Union. He established the Gerry Anderson Orchestra in the 1960s. Gerry served the church with his musical gifts playing organ and keyboard for Emmanuel Baptist Church of Norfolk and played the keyboard for the Orleans United Methodist Church summer beach services on Nauset Beach in Orleans, MA. Gerry had a passion for photography and traveling. He and his family explored extensively throughout the world, including travels to Scandinavia, Africa, Central America, and also enjoyed traversing the US National Parks. Cape Cod held a special place in Gerry’s heart where he enjoyed boating and navigating the beautiful waters of Pleasant Bay and Chatham. Gerry was a true Renaissance Man. His creativity, innovation, and determination could solve any problem. Gerry’s goal was always to find the most efficient way possible. God not only blessed him with his gift of music but also with a true engineering mind. Gerry was handy in electrical, automotive, plumbing, sewing, and loved gadgets and electronics. Gerry will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, June 30, 2019, from 4-8 PM at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood, MA. A funeral will be held on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 11 AM, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 63 Rockwood Road,Norfolk, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s name can be made to Caring for a Cure, Mass General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Boston, MA 02214 or to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 63 Rockwood, Rd., Norfolk, MA., 02056. Donations of blood/platelets to the American Red Cross would be appreciated as well.
Comments(4)
Peace to you and yours, Gerry. Would that the world had more like you.
Was a college friend, fraternity brother, of Gerry. Wish we were able to keep in touch after graduating from Lowell. Sounds like he lived a great life. Great family. Much real success. A great role model. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
My deepest sympathy go out to Beth,Laurel,Scott and the rest of the Anderson family on the lost of their beloved Gerry. Know that your love one could not be in a better place – at home with his Lord,I hope that as you remember him that will bring you much peace.I am lifting you up in prayer every day.
Love, Dora
My heartfelt sorrow to Gerry’s loving family. Although I never knew Gerry that well personally, my memory of him is a young man in high school, sitting at a piano, big smile on his face, fingers flying over the keyboard. Gerry was certainly a man to be admired. Not only talented and successful, he was truly a wonderful person inside as well. May the rest of his family have the peace that is now Gerry’s.