Obituary of Gerard J. Comatos

DO TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER THE FUNERAL SERVICES FOR GERARD WILL NOW BE PRIVATE AND AT THE CONVENIENCE OF THE FAMILY.

Gerard J. Comatos died at the age of ninety eight on February 23, 2018 at Poughkeepsie, New York.  He is reunited with his beloved wife, Isabelle, who passed away on November 21, 2010.  He is survived by his daughter Janet and her husband Donald of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, his son Gerard Jr. and his wife Diane, his grandchildren Andrew of Stamford, Connecticut, Dale of  Dedham, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth of Madison, Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews, all whom he loved dearly.  He was predeceased by his two brothers and three sisters. His friends and acquaintances knew him as Jerry or Grandpa.

Jerry was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, grew up in Tarrytown, New York, and moved to Poughkeepsie in1953 to start Red Cap Cleaners with his brother, Anthony. Earlier, he had worked for Chrysler Corporation in New York City and General Motors Corporation in Tarrytown.

He served in World War II and attained the rank of Captain in the 792nd Artillery Battalion.  He received campaign citations for his participation in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He also received the Combat Ribbon with five stars. He served for over five years and was discharged in 1946.  While in the Army, he met Isabelle.

Jerry was a senior member of Dutchess Golf and Country Club where he made many good friends over the years.   Later in life, he and Isabelle started playing tennis together at the Cross Court Tennis Club.

Jerry was a devoted family man. His patience, tolerance and compassion had no boundaries.

He would be the first to thank his many caregivers, too numerous to name in full.  He was especially thankful for the companionship and assistance of Chris Franklin and her husband Dan  and Flo  Walker.  Also, his family is forever grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff at Vassar Brothers Hospital who took great care of him on many occasions.

Calling hours will be March 1, 2018 from 5:00 p.m.  to 7:00 p.m. at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York.   A memorial service will be held at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Community Mausoleum on March 2, 2018 at 12:30 p.m.

Jerry had a warm place in his heart for the Children’s Home, 91 Fulton Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601.  A donation in his name would be a fine tribute.