Timothy Dean Gerrity

He is survived by his beloved wife, three children: Kimberley Anne Creith Boltz, Kelly Leslie Richards Gerrity (John) and Timothy William Zollinger Gerrity (Trish); and two grandchildren: Jessica Boltz Gruesen (Tim) and Timothy Patrick Gerrity Kolp.

A Cleveland native, Tim was a highly respected family law attorney in Columbus, Ohio for over 50 years. He was a graduate of Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law. He was a member of the Columbus Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association, National Trial Lawyers Association and the Central Ohio Association for Justice. He was the senior partner at Gerrity and Burrier for the majority of his career where he diligently represented his clients in all aspects of family law.

Well-known and admired throughout the legal community, Tim enjoyed regaling his colleagues and friends with tales of his professional and life adventures. He could make people laugh like no other. In his retirement he could be found watching the sunrise at his lakeside North Carolina home while holding hands with his wife “Essie”, finding new restaurants, trying new recipes, reading a good book, playing with his dog, Seamus, and bird watching.

He will be missed for his laugh, intelligence, humor, cleverness, tenderness and kindness.

Tim, the very best person I know and my favorite person in the entire world. He is my heart and soul. He is the best part of me. We were Frick and Frack..... peas in a pod.... tuned in. We spent a lifetime together, but it isn't enough. He now lives in my heart and mind. I have too many happy memories to share here. If you know Tim, then you know it's true.

~Leslie Zollinger Gerrity

Papa and I loved music together, watching movies, reading books, and laughing. We were each other's go to for pop culture trivia. In high school he would stay up late to watch MTV with me just to keep up with what I was into. He bought the biggest Winnie the Pooh the store had when he learned how much I loved him. I'll miss his laugh and how his whole face crinkled up when he did so, him singing silly songs about what he was doing everywhere he went, his creative nicknames for anyone he met, his extensive vocabulary, his stories he couldn't finish without laughing with tears in his eyes, his wit, his love and his voice calling me Beaner.

~Kimberley Anne Creith Boltz

Dad was one of my very best friends and heroes. He was the best man I know. We had a lot of laughs and had our own language and inside jokes. Movie time, swapping stories, cooking together, just chatting with him were my favorite times. He got me and approved of me and was one of my greatest fans. I felt understood by him and elevated to achieve my goals in life. I will miss him with all of my heart and soul.I will always laugh when I relive my memories of him, and for giving my best nickname of all time, Mudge or Moogie. He was one of a kind and beautiful.

~Kelly Leslie Richards Gerrity

I'm thinking about my dad reading entire adult books to me as a kid. I remember getting excited to just do errands and ride around with him, I always did. I enjoyed watching his interaction with strangers. I remember his scat singing, steering wheel finger drumming or finding out he's an amazing clarinet player at 2am in morning. I remember thinking he's one of the few people whose whistling was actually good. I remember him taking the time to shoot hoops and naming the three branches that hung over the court and blocked our shots. There was Olajuwon, Mutombo (not in my house) and I don't recall the third. I remember how much he loved our animals and the fun songs to go along with each nickname . I've fortunately inherited this important trait. I remember him always calling after a long day and asking what food he should pick up, or going on about the spaghetti bolognese at the Fresh Market Food court. I remember how he loved saying he was a Sam's Man and how I couldn't get him to convert to Costco or Aldi. I remember his ornery grin when he blamed me for a silent but deadly at Firestone on Henderson. I remember how much he loved my mom. Everyone remembers how easily he laughed and how funny and relatable he was, a true man of the people. I always admired his easy way with others. I remember how him being close made me feel safe as a kid. I was proud when he picked me up from school. I liked the way people looked at him. I miss how easily I could pick him out in a crowd. I'll miss him calling me his Biggie Boy

~Timothy William Zollinger Gerrity

I have several memories of Dad G that I will always hold and cherish in my heart. However, the thing I want to share is more of a feeling than a memory. It was the feeling that I was one of HIS Flock. Those of you who know that feeling, know how special it is. It’s something to cherish. It always felt like he listened to me, valued my opinion, and would be there in any and every situation. He had a special way of loving his family, especially Mom G, and I am so honored that I got to be a part of that love.

Thank you for passing your passion for music, silly songs, love of animals and amazing sense of humor to your son. I see so much of you, in him, every day and I am forever grateful.

~Trish Textor Gerrity

My Bampies was one of a kind! I have very fond childhood memories with him. We would watch movies together and he'd put on his favorite records and dance around the house with me. Making up our silly songs, scatting throughout, which we continue to sing today, birthday messages, borrowed sleepover T-shirts and creative cursing... He was intelligent, caring and hilarious. Bamps was so loving, but man was he LOVED! I will miss your smell and your squeezes. I wish I could smooch your face one last time and hear you say any of the nicknames you gave me. I love you forever and always xoxo JeddiTooties

~Jessica L. G. C. Boltz Gruesen

Bayz loved everyone and his support of me was nothing short of infinite. I will do my best, in whatever way, to live up to the greatness that he managed to inspire in every realm of his life and ours. He was very much a father figure and taught me what it meant to be a good man from a young age, helping to craft my values and morals. He will be missed. He's the most honorable man to have touched the earth in this era and I will remember him and his legacy as such.

~Timothy Patrick Gerrity Kolp

I keep looking for Bayz. I've been told he won't be back. I'll miss our daily meanders. He always let me take the time to sniff everything. He never was angry with me. He gave me scrubby dubbies every morning. I loved going on ridey rides in the golf cart with him. He had a special way of letting me know he loved me very much.

~Seamus Gerrity

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in his name. He would like that.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.