Gerard Francis Mackle

On March 30, 2024, in Cary, NC, Gerry Mackle died peacefully in his sleep at age 89. He had been ill with heart and kidney disease for some time, but if asked, Gerry was “terrific” each day. He did Wordle on his last morning and then read the news on his iPad.

A native of Philadelphia, Gerard Francis Mackle was a graduate of St. Joseph’s University there. Gerry stayed to work for Pan American Airlines for a while before accepting a position in computer services with IBM in New York City, where he was to remain for the rest of his career, serving several financial institutions including Reed Stenhouse. Gerry loved the opportunities of New York; he had a keen interest in theater and was a member of the Amateur Comedy Club that performed in Murray Hill’s Sniffen Court.

His marriage to Mary Lou Dragon in 1966 lasted for over 50 years. She passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2017. With their daughter Anna Kate, the Mackles lived in Manhattan, Stamford, CT, and Westfield, NJ. Together the family remodeled a 1930s house in Livingston Manor in the Catskills. Gerry had a deep love of music and found joy as Anna Kate grew up excelling in performance on the harp. She became a professional harpist and is a member of the Florida Orchestra, as is her husband, John Shaw, a percussionist.

In 2004 Gerry and Mary Lou retired to New Bern, NC. They became leaders in the Unitarian Universalist church. Gerry volunteered for the New Bern Police Department, writing several grants linking youth and police in neighborhood activities. Gerry was a committed member of the local Book and Bourbon club. Following Mary Lou’s death Gerry became an avid kayaker. He had rowed for his college team; now kayaking became his sundowner sport.

After both had lost their spouses, Gerry and his choir director, Judy Harrison, combined households. During his last weeks they were rehearsing a Gilbert and Sullivan tenor solo for Gerry to perform with Judy’s accompaniment on the next residential open mic night.

If you had met Gerry, you would remember him. He conveyed an energetic congeniality and charm, and his ready laugh put everyone at ease. He had a keen intellect, was an avid reader, and could talk knowledgably about almost any topic. Gerry was a good listener with no agenda. He was witty without meanness; a true gentleman. The world has lost a good man.

Gerry is survived by his partner Judy Harrison of Cary, NC, and is deeply missed by her children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his much-beloved daughter Anna Kate Mackle, son-in-law John Shaw, and granddaughter Madeline Shaw from St. Petersburg, FL; and by four nieces, four nephews, and 16 great-nieces and great-nephews who adored him.

A service to celebrate the life of Gerry Mackle will be held on June 24 at 3:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of New Bern, 308 Meadows St., New Bern, NC 28560. Donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to the UUFNB Endowment Fund, address above.