Obituary: Gerard Edward Sutherland of Needham Dies

The following was submitted by Gillooly Funeral Home as an obituary for Gerard Edward Sutherland. If funeral homes would like to post an obituary on Patch they can follow this link or email samantha.mercado@patch.com.

Gerard “Jerry” E. Sutherland passed away peacefully in Needham, MA on March 19, 2021. Jerry was a graduate of Boston College School of Social Work and went on to become a Social Worker at Boston Children's Services. He was on the faculty of The Graduate School of Social Work at Boston College before he became Regional Director of Catholic Charities. He loved doing volunteer work, especially after retirement. He volunteered with Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic for many years as well as volunteering for the Norwood Hospital Emergency Room. Jerry also enjoyed leading reminiscing groups for the Psychiatric Unit at Norwood Hospital. He volunteered as well through Morrill Memorial Library teaching English as a second language to immigrants preparing for their citizenship exams.

Jerry is preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Sutherland and his children, Lisa and Gary Sutherland. He is survived by his children: Susan Weisman and her husband Paul of Boston, MA, Eric Sutherland and his wife Leanne of Waitsfield, VT, Linda Patsos and her husband Nick of Norwood, MA, his grandchildren: Krista, Eric, Alexa, Brian, Jeffrey, Noah and Reilly, one great-granddaughter, Ryan Rose and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all.

Private services will be held in Jerry’s memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Heifer International.