BROWNVILLE – Earl W. Gerrish Jr., 79, died Oct. 31, 2011, surrounded by his family at a Bangor hospital after a brief illness. He was born Dec. 19, 1931, in Milo, the only son of Earl Sr. and Inga (Oberg) Gerrish.
Earl wore many hats during his lifetime: Brownville town manager, water district superintendent, Mason, Shriner, church deacon, Quarry Pines board member and Brownville fire fighter to name a few. In 2010 the town of Brownville recognized Earl as its Citizen of the Year. He was honored and humbled to have Village Fire Station dedicated to him. Earl worked hard during his life to provide for his family and that work ethic continues in the construction business he began at age 18, Earl Gerrish and Sons, Inc.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Charlotte (Washburn) Gerrish; daughter, Suzanne Jording-Williamson and her husband, Harry, of Geneva, N.Y.; and three sons, and their wives, Daniel and Liz, Ronald and Lynn, and Peter and Lorrie, all of Brownville.
He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Lance and fiancee, Candi, Alicia Harmon and husband, Adam, Brett and his partner, Mindy, Lillian Perkins and her husband, Derek, Shannon and fiance, Ryan, Christina and her partner, Devin, and Joshua. He was thrilled to be a great-grandfather to Preston, Adalai and Ava. Earl also leaves a sister, Arlene Morrill; and a nephew, Brent Morrill. He was predeceased by his parents; a grandson, Justin; and a brother-in-law, Charles Morrill. The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center and especially the staff of the critical care unit for their loving care for Earl during his stay.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at Brownville Junction United Methodist Church with the Rev. Leshy Paynter and the Rev. Harry Williamson officiating. Interment with a Masonic service will take place after the funeral at Brownville Village Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share fellowship and conversation at Brownville Junction Alumni Building after the services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Coat and Boot Fund to benefit children in our area needing warm clothes. Contributions may be made to Brownville Elementary, care of Beth Melanson, 744 Main Road, Brownville, ME 04414. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Milo. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at
www.laryfuneralhome.com.