With a heavy heart our family says goodbye to Gerry McGonagle Sr. -- Big Ger -- at age 86.  Born and raised in Somerville, MA, he served his country honorably in the US Army during the Korean War.  Gerry met his wife Joan (Quinn) at St John's High School in Cambridge, MA and they married after the war in 1956, celebrating their 61st anniversary this past October 6th. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Gerard Jr. and his wife Martha Paynter, and James and his wife Mary Beth Paul; grandchildren, Dorothy Dinoto, Kayley, Brynn, and Patrick McGonagle; and one brother, Frank McGonagle, and his wife Arlene.

Devoted to his grandchildren, his passions also included business, engineering, music, woodworking, and home improvement, earning a construction license in 1994.  He was always ready with an interesting historical fact, carpenter's tool and helping hand, political opinion (Democratic!), corny joke, and words of encouragement and praise for us all. We will miss him dearly, and are also relieved that his struggle is now over and he is at peace. Love you always Big Ger, and thank you.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 4 ^th at 11:00 am in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry's name to the Pine Street Inn, Attn: Shelli Hezekiah, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA  02118, www.pinestreetinn.org .