Obituary of Gerald F. Laird

Gerald F. Laird, age 90, died May 14 at the Notre Dame Convalescent Hospital in Norwalk. He was born October 22, 1924 in Omaha to Samuel & Clara (Fleming) Laird. He had been married for 58 years to Teresa (McNamee) Laird before she died on July 17, 2014. He was predeceased by 3 sisters and one brother. After graduating from Benson High School he entered active service with the Army Air Force. During that time he studied engineering at Stanford University. He served with the 315th Bomb Wing (VH) in the 16th Bomb Group which operated from Guam during WWII. He went on to study Journalism at the University of Missouri where he received his BA and MA. He worked for several different advertising agencies during his working life. He lived in Pittsburgh and Dobbs Ferry before moving to Rowayton, CT in 1959. During his retirement years, he formed his own ad agency, co-wrote "Frames and Framing" with Louise Dunn, volunteered with the Stephen Ministries, taught and studied at Lifetime Learners, was the host on the public access show "Carousel", and in his seventies became a Cabaret singer somewhat by accident when he was able to supply lyrics for a song while covering a cabaret event. After taking several "Singing Experience" workshops with Linda Amiel Burns, he performed solo shows at several venues here and in New York City. He was a member of the The New York Sheet Music Society and served as editor of their newsletter. He also recorded eight albums in CD format. Jerry leaves behind his son Robert of Falmouth, MA and daughter Dana of Rowayton as well as three nephews. Edward Lawrence Funeral Home at 2119 Post Road in Darien will receive friends from 6-8 on Thursday May 21st. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday May 22nd at 11 am at St. John's Church, 1986 Post Road in Darien. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rowayton Historical Society, PO Box 106, Rowayton, CT 06853, the Rowayton Art Center, 145 Rowayton Avenue Rowayton , CT 06853 or the charity of your choice. Interment will be private. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820