Obituary: Dr. Gerard J. Fay

Dr. Gerard J. Fay, at 89

Former Hull selectman, restaurateur, and optimistic optometrist Dr. Gerard J. Fay, of Englewood, Fla., formerly of Hull, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 5, 2023, just shy of his 90th birthday, at St. Joseph’s Manor. 

Dr. Fay was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, the late Irma Lee Fay, and was the cherished uncle of Janet Fay-Johnson of Hull, Emily “Lee” and Tracey Fay of Quincy, Wendel Plumbo and her husband, Gerry, of Parrish, Fla., and Clydette Ray and her husband, David, of Seymour, Tenn. He was the special grand-uncle of Mark Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Christopher and Catherine McCurdy, and Brandon Clevenger, and the great grand-uncle of Brodie Clevenger. Dr. Fay is survived by several cousins and many dear close friends, and was predeceased by his brother, Francis Fay.

Dr. Fay was born Roslindale, raised in West Roxbury and summered in Hull. He attended St. Sebastian’s School and was a 1950 graduate of Hingham High School. Dr. Fay served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded an honorable discharge in 1955. After his military service, he attended Burdett School in Boston and went on to receive his doctorate in optometry from the New England School of Optometry. He built his optometry practice in both Dorchester and Hull while helping his mother with the family business, Frank Fay’s Cafe in Hull, on Water Street.

Dr. Fay served on the school committee and as a selectman in Hull in the 1970s. In 1972, he met the love of his life, Irma Lee. They shared an inspirational, lifelong love story. They were rarely apart; Jerry and Irma turned the beach cafe into Fay’s Gourmet Restaurant. Irma was the acclaimed gourmet chef, written up in Boston Magazine.  Later in life, both Jerry and Irma were real estate agents at Tullish & Clancy in Quincy and loved working together.

In 2003, their dream of retiring to Florida came true. Dr. and Mrs. Fay spent many happy years and referred to each day as “another day in paradise”.

A true gentleman, with a great sense of humor, Dr. Fay will be especially remembered as a loving and devoted uncle who supported and encouraged his three nieces, whom he helped to raise. He was honored and cherished by all who knew him for his optimism, his deep faith, and his love of everything Irish.  He will be fondly remembered for singing Irish tunes with his ever-cheerful spirit and a twinkle in his eye. As a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, every year he was the perfect, jolly Santa Claus, enchanting the children of Hull.  Dr. Fay made everyone feel like family, and he was lovingly called “uncle to us all.”  

Dr. Fay loved helping people, and often remarked how he had found his calling in the profession of optometry, and he enjoyed every single day of his career. His kindness and generosity will always be remembered, as well as his dedication to his communities both in Hull and in Florida.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during a visitation Monday, June 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be private.  

The family would like to thank all the staff at St Joseph’s Manor in Brockton for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in Uncle Jerry’s memory be made to St. Joseph Manor Health Care, a nonprofit organization, 215 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302.