Gerry died Feb. 5, 2016, in Dallas. He was 1944’s youngest member.
Born and raised in France, he attended the Lycée Français de New York and brought his lovable, distinctive French accent to Princeton to major in politics. Junior year, he roomed with Francis Chapman, who died as a paratrooper in France during World War II. Some years later, Gerry made his first of many gifts to endow a Chapman scholarship.
Gerry entered the Army Air Corps to become a navigator in a B-29 while training French Air cadets. After the war, he attended Harvard Business School and earned an MBA. His first employer was Kidder Peabody in New York, which moved him to Dallas. He had a long career and served as a board member with the Holly Corp. He was a lucky, energetic, friendly Tiger who returned to France every year. He attended 21 reunions, including 10 majors.
He is survived by Betty “Lisa” Simmons, whom he married in 1959; his children, Monique and Tania; and six grandchildren. Gerry’s French accent and expressions were a delight to hear, especially when saying goodbye; he said, “Be lucky!” He was a very special person and shall be missed.