Gerald "Jerry" B. Anderson

Commander Gerald Barrett Anderson, US Navy (retired) passed peacefully away at his home in Ellicott City, Maryland, on February 17, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with a rare liver disease.

For 55 years, he was the loving husband of Judith Hale Anderson, the devoted father of Matthew Hale Anderson (Kirstin) of Melrose, MA, and Caroline Barrett Anderson of Palm City, FL, and the adoring grandfather of Zachary, Reon, and Cooper Anderson

Jerry, as he was known to friends and family alike, was born on April 6, 1945 and grew up in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, where he graduated from high school in 1963. From there, he went on to Providence College, graduating in 1967 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and a member of the National Society of the Pershing Rifles

From there he moved onto active duty with the US Army rising to the rank of Captain. Completing an interservice transfer to the US Navy in 1970, Jerry was assigned to the Naval Security Group (NAVSECGRU) and served tours in Puerto Rico; Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean; London, England; Winter Harbor, Maine; Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland; and Munich, Germany. After retiring as a Navy Commander in 1988, he spent the next 27 years working for the US Government, for a combined 48 years of exemplary service to his country and receiving the Exceptional Civilian Service Award. 

A man of deep and abiding faith which held him steadfast as his illness progressed, Jerry was very active in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City where he served as a Stephen Minister, a Eucharistic Minister, member of  the vestry, Junior Warden, and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Parish Day School.

An enthusiastic gardener, Jerry was known for his beautiful flower beds, delicious vegetables, and pepper jelly which he made from his own peppers and enjoyed gifting to friends.

Active for all of his life, Jerry was an accomplished athlete, enjoying a variety of sports. He very much enjoyed sharing his skiing skills, honed on the slopes of Vermont and Austria, with his young grandsons.

Love of travel, adventure, fun, and making memories helped to fill out his retirement years as he and Judy enjoyed being with family and friends.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, March 31st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 1st, at 1:00 p.m. at St John’s Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD.

Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to honor Jerry’s life may be made to St. John’s Church at the above address.

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