Obituary of Gerard Foley

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gerard Edmund Foley announces his passing on August 5, 2021 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on March 2, 1946, he was a son of the late Lambert and Yvonne (Bastarache) Foley.

Jerry will be missed by his partner Mary Burnside; beloved children: Gerard Elwood, Timothy Foley, Julie-Anne Foley-Robertson (Stephen), Kathleen Foley Sharib; brothers Osmond (Connie), Gary, and Marc (Tricia); grandchildren Anna, Ava, Brittany, Bryan, Drew, Keith, Madison, Maureen Erin, Matthew, and Nicholas; three great-grandchildren; the mother of his children Mary Foley; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his daughter Maureen; brothers: Paul, David, Laurence; and a sister Patricia.

While living in the Greater Boston area in the 60's and 70's, Jerry enjoyed Boxing and a variety of music including classic rock, country and Motown. He was an accomplished athlete earning a silver medal in Boxing at the Pan American Games (1967) and the title of "Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion of New England" (1969). Jerry attended many concerts for all the greatest classic rock bands, and most notably, adventured to the historic Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 with his brother David and took in “3 days of peace and music”. 

Jerry was a US Army veteran and a skilled house painter known for his attention to detail. He worked as a union painter at the Saint John Dry Dock. In his retirement, he loved spending time at the camp in South Oromocto Lake with Mary, where he fished for trout and enjoyed the outdoors. In his later years, he enjoyed going to the mall for coffee with his former coworkers from the Dry Dock where they would have lively political discussions. He also enjoyed walking Mary’s little dog Beau. He loved his children deeply.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, a private interment will be held at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com