COOPERSTOWN - Dr. Gerard F. Wilson, 88, of Cooperstown died Wednesday morning, Nov. 20, 2024, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Born April 22, 1936, and raised in Utica, Jerry was the son of George W. Wilson and Anne (Fraher) Wilson. He graduated from Utica Free Academy, Niagara University, and the State University of Buffalo Dental School. He married Mary Jane Mayer, who also had graduated from the University of Buffalo as a Registered Nurse, on July 21, 1962, in Arcade. Jerry and Mary Jane moved to Cooperstown in 1964 where Jerry established his dental practice on Main Street. They had shared 51 years together when Mary Jane died on Oct. 24, 2013.

Jerry became an involved and active community member. He was a "life member" of the Cooperstown Fire Department, served as a leader of a local Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop, coached Little League teams, was a long-time member of the Cooperstown Lions Club, served as a village trustee and as a vestryman at Christ Episcopal Church, and was a co-chair of one of the early Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committees. He enjoyed golf, was an avid reader, enjoyed painting and sketching, playing bridge, bowling and watching NASCAR races.

Gerard is survived by his three children, son, David M. Wilson and his children, Benjamin, Jacob and Samuel; son, Douglas G. (Peggy Ann) Wilson; their daughter, Taryn; and his daughter, Anne Kathryn Daniels (Steven) and their sons, Cory (Lindsay) and Brandon. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Michael, Mason, Bret and Wyatt, eight nieces, and nephews, Colleen, Tracy, Brian, Jason, Susan, Douglas, Tim and Andrew; sister-in-law, Evelyn Wilson and by many friends, among them, Joe Monington, Nancy, Georgiana and Carol. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert M. Wilson and Roger Wilson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at Christ Episcopal Church in Cooperstown with The Rev. Nathan Ritter officiating. A reception in the Christ Church Parish Hall will follow the service. Burial in the Fly Creek Cemetery will be private and at a later date.

For those who so desire, the family suggests that donations in Jerry's memory be made to The Cooperstown Fire Department PO Box 1, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.