Glenn S. Gerson, originally from Severna Park, MD and long-time resident of Rouses Point, NY died peacefully on September 9, 2015, after a brief but furious fight with cancer. He was 57.
It would be an understatement to say that Glenn “G” Gerson filled a room with his presence. With his larger-than-life personality and boundless enthusiasm, he embraced life in the extreme—bigger, faster, louder, and most importantly, more fun.
While the rest of the world collected Friends and Likes on Facebook, G did it in the real world where every friend was genuine and every like, heartfelt. From his days at Severna Park High School (‘75) to his decades in New York’s North Country, he collected people.
G’s thirty-five year career in pharmaceuticals was less about the positions he held and more about the people he worked with – never just a co-worker, always “my friend.” And while his various jobs took him from NY to Florida and places in between, he always considered Rouses Point, NY home.
As with many good men, G had a way with children and dogs. He was that dad who played Legos, pitched softballs, and cheered loudest from the sidelines; a coach who made softball players out of a scrappy bunch of 12 year old girls; a step-father who thrilled in presenting a 17 year old her first motorcycle; and a soft-hearted animal-lover who couldn’t say no to a new puppy or stray cat, even knowing it would eventually break his heart.
G is predeceased by his father, Jack Gerson. He is survived by his wife and best friend Kathy (née Roughton); the love of his life; his daughter Alexandra (Xan) Dawn Gerson and her mother Kimberly Moynahan; his mother and step-father, Marcelle (née Ruf) and Melvin Specht; his brother Joe; and his long-time dearest friend Dale Johnson. He also leaves behind two nieces, Ali and Jacqueline Gerson; three step-daughters, Jessica, Elisabeth and Rebekah Allison; and a godson, Christopher Johnson.
Gee, that doesn’t begin to cover the lives you touched. You will be missed as a husband, a father, a son, and a very dear friend.
The family would like to express its gratitude for the compassion and care provided by staff and doctors at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Wissahickon Hospice as well as to friends who stopped by to lend their support.
G’s ashes will be returned to his favorite hunting grounds in northern New York in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life with friends and family will be held at The House that Glenn (and the families of 13 plucky girls) Built: the Amy Gallagher Memorial Softball Field at the Rouses Point Civic Center on Saturday, October 3rd at 3:00pm.
Those wishing to express condolences or to share memories and stories may contact Kathy at kathy.gerson@yahoo.com or Xan at alexandra.gerson@gmail.com or leave a comment here.
G would be pleased if in his memory you supported your local Ducks Unlimited Chapter, Golden Retriever Rescue, girls’ sports league, or any melanoma research organization.
” Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” — Hunter S. Thompson
That it was ….
A wonderful narrative on Glenn. I remember playing in one of the first softball games at the Amy Gallagher Field with Glenn and many others. I also did the “Public Address” call for a girls game with Xan and Christie Faverau, with Christie proudly shopwing me her new braces with bands to match the team colors. Another cool thing was Xan saying to me “Your ex wife must be an idiot to lose you”. (I take my wins when I get them 😉 ) It was a bright sunny day and I still have the softball jersey from that original team. Another thing I remember about Glenn was his detailed award winning model collection. I distinctly remember a tank with a Coca Cola cooler attached to the back of the tank, and the hand painted script “Coca-Cola” was perfectly painted on the cooler. That cooler was no biggwer than the small pencil sharpener we all had as kids in our bookbags, and those letters were so small Im sure he needed one of those magnifying lights that jewelers use to see small parts when creating jewelery. I also remember the 2 dogs, Bailey and Echo, and the way Echo would jump laterally over Bailey. Back and forth, and Bailey was totally unaffected by it! I haven’t seen an act like that until this summer when I saw the Shanghai Circus World performers in Shanghai. Your mention of Glenn being full of life is exactly how I remember him. So sorry for this loss, Our condolences to all of the family members and extended family of Glenn. Death of loved ones is never easy, but the sting is felt much deeper when it is someone so young. Peace be with all of you. Peter Regnier
Big hugs to you and Xan. I first met you all through Gary & Shelley Favro, and later worked with Glenn at Wyeth. What a wonderful soul.