Ferdinand Jay Gerish

Ferdinand Jay Gerish, 76, of Fairfield & Lebanon Twp., NJ passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. Beloved husband of the late Joan Gerish. Devoted son of the late Fred & Veronica (nee Comeau) Gerish. Loving father of Jay M. & his wife Tobi Gerish, Jeanne M. Gerish, Kathleen J. Rieckert and Joseph P. & his wife Susan Gerish. Cherished grandfather of Krista, Michael, Madison, Joseph A., Joseph D., Patrick, & Jacob. Dear brother of Carol & her husband Richard Fallon, half brother of Maureen & the late Ron Crooker and the late Rita & Fred Taylor. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Mr. Gerish was the President of Jay Gerish Co. in West Caldwell for over 50 years and received many awards in the headwear industry. He was one of the first businessmen to go into China during the Nixon administration. Jay traveled the world for business but his heart was in Fairfield with his family where he was sure to attend every sporting event that his grandchildren participated. Jay was a philanthropist who changed many peoples lives for the better. Funeral Saturday 9 AM from the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield. Funeral Mass 10 AM St. Thomas More R.C. Church. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday 1-4 & 6-9 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306.