Richard "Poppy" Gerrity

Richard Gerrity, a long time resident of Columbia, MD passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 9, 2021 at the age of 81. 

Richard Is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Jennifer Gerrity and his two beloved grandsons, Parker and Tanner. He is also survived by his friend/ex-wife, Mary Eileen Gerrity Shultz (Butler) and many nieces, nephews & their beautiful children. He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary of Scranton, PA; his brother Paul and Paul's wife, Arlene Gerrity of Scranton, PA. 

Richard was born In Scranton, PA in 1940 to Thomas and Mary Gerrity. A proud graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering a large part of his career was spent traveling the world assisting in the building of Job Corps centers and US Embassy installations with Leo A Daly and Integrated Design & Construction Inc. (IDC). 

Richard was a devoted father, grandfather, and avid skier who's love of travel took him to over 30 countries throughout the world across all continents. This love for travel and "all things French" took him to his favorite city of Paris more than a dozen times. A lifelong supporter of his beloved Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG), since their founding in 1971, he made sure that his family was always swathed in Les Rouge-et Bleu gear. He had a passion for photography and especially loved photographing his adventures in France. That is until his grandson, Parker, was born in 2002 and then his passion quickly changed to spending every minute he could with this new baby. In 2003, he was blessed with another grandson, Tanner, which brought to his life another baby to devote his attention to and spoil as a proud grandfather. He was the epitome of a doting grandfather who affectionately became known as "Poppy". As the years passed, he was very involved in his grandson's lives, attending school events, cheering them on at soccer games, basketball games, lacrosse games & swim meets from grade school through high school. Eventually, he became everyone's "Poppy'', adults and children alike. He relished in his time with family and friends always showing up in his trademark beret with bags loaded with French cheese, bread and wine. 

His joie de vivre was infectious to all that encountered him and had the opportunity to enjoy his wonderful companionship. The Matisse painting Le bonheur de vivre visually depicted this passion. 

He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. 

Please join the family for a visitation and Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11:00am at Harry H. Witzke Funeral Home 4112 Old Columbia Pike Ellicott City MD with a reception/Irish Wake immediately following at a local restaurant. 

In lieu of flowers we request friends and family make donations to the causes Poppy supported throughout his life: The Nature Conservancy and Amnesty International.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Poppy" Gerrity, please visit our floral store.