Rev. Gerald Anthony Sherry, S.F.M.

1939-2023

We lament the passing of Fr. Gerald Anthony Sherry, SFM, who died on March 22, 2023, at the Houses of Providence, in Scarborough, Ontario. He was 83 years of age.

Fr. Gerald was born in Fernwood, Prince Edward Island, on October 3, 1939, the son of Arthur A. Sherry and Mary (nee Rooney) Sherry. He was the oldest of eight children and is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Desmond (late Eva) and Aden (Norma). He is survived by his brother Wallace (Gail) and his sisters Eileen (late George) Smith, Joan (late Lowell) Mulligan, Betty (Don) Hickox, Doreen (Clare) Mulligan, and his sister-in-law Norma Sherry.

Fr. Gerald attended Fernwood Public School in Bedeque (1946–1955), St. Dunstan’s High School in Charlottetown (1955-57) and St. Dunstan’s University in Charlottetown (1957-1962) graduating with a B.A. degree. He entered Scarboro Missions’ Novitiate in 1962 and studied at St. Augustine’s Seminary (1963-67), obtaining a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from the University of Ottawa. He was ordained to the priesthood for Scarboro Missions on August 6, 1966, at St. Malachy’s Church in Kinkora, PEI, by Bishop Malcolm MacEachern of the Diocese of Charlottetown.

In 1967, Fr. Gerald studied Spanish at the Latin American Institute in St. Mary’s, Ontario, in preparation for his appointment to mission in the Dominican Republic. He arrived in the parish of Hato Mayor in 1968 to serve as curate, and then he served as pastor in San José de Ocoa from 1975-78.

In 1979, Fr. Gerald enjoyed a sabbatical year in Toronto, taking courses in theology at the University of St. Michael’s College and living in the student formation community with Scarboro lay and priest missionary candidates.

Fr. Gerald’s next mission assignment was to Chiclayo, Peru, in 1980, where he headed a team of lay missionaries, working in collaboration with missionaries from the Archdiocese of Halifax. He served in Peru until 1987, leaving to explore mission possibilities in Taiwan and Hong Kong. In 1990, he served briefly in the Bahamas and in Peru. In 1991, he was re-appointed to the Dominican Republic, serving once more in San José de Ocoa and in Consuelo until 1995.

Returning to Canada in 1996, Fr. Gerald worked in Scarboro Missions’ Promotion Department until 2000. He then began assisting part-time at St. Theresa’s Parish in Scarborough and accompanying Catholic prayer groups in Toronto.

Fr. Gerald will be remembered for his simplicity, kindness and love for the poor. On hearing of his death, messages quickly arrived from members of the community he had served so many years ago in Chiclayo, Peru. One former parishioner wrote, “He helped many of us in our formation, a legacy that will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, esteemed Friend and Pastor. You are going before us on the path that we will all travel.”

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the staff of the Houses of Providence and Canadian Religious Stewardship for their compassionate care for Fr. Gerald over the past years. May God bless you in your health ministry of comforting the sick.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 11:30 am at Presentation Manor Senior Living Chapel, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough, Ontario. Following the Mass there will be an Interment at Queen of the Clergy Cemetery in Scarborough. May he rest in Peace.

A visitation for Fr. Gerald will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Presentation Manor, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Toronto, ON M1L 1Z7. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 11:30 AM, 61 Fairfax Crescent,, Toronto, ON M1L 1Z7. A reception will occur Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 61 Fairfax Crescent,, Toronto, ON M1L 1Z7. An interment will occur Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Our Lady Queen of the Clergy Cemetery, 2661 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON M1M 1M3.