George A Gerety

George A Gerety passed away peacefully November 11, 2015. Loving husband of Patricia (Clark) Gerety, father to Linda Burwell and Janine Gerety, grandfather to James and Keith Burwell. George is also survived by his brother Robert, and loved by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Carole Kiernan and former wife Rowla.

George was born in Harlem, New York where at the age of twelve he began piano lessons. Beatrice his mother insisted he practice piano rather than play baseball because his lessons were twenty five cents a week.

George had a wonderful life. He was blessed to spend his days doing what he loved most, playing music and spreading joy to others with his bigger than life personality. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends, golfing and horse racing.

George began his long musical career playing with big bands at the age of sixteen. He served proudly in the Philippines during World War II where he played clarinet in the U.S. Army Band . After serving his country, George returned to big band playing with Saxie Dowell and other orchestras until breaking out on his own. In 1954 George landed in Atlantic City and established himself as a solid solo act. George's personality shone through for more than sixty years , as he played piano and sang not only the old standards, but also classical music, amazing audiences with his musical prowess of more than 10,000 songs and his keen ability to remember customers names and their favorite songs. After he started his family, George gave up being on the road to find jobs closer to home, playing in NE Philadelphia, the Poconos, the Wildwoods, and other spots at the Jersey Shore. Due to his love of horseracing, George also worked a number of years at Garden State Race Track as a mutual seller.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2:30 PM, at the Church of St. Katharine Drexel, 6077 West Jersey Ave., Egg Harbor Twp., where friends may gather from 1 PM until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.