Rev.
Gerald Carl Eddy was born on April 4, 1927, and died November 8,
2024.
He
was born in Elizabeth, Pa., the son of Gerald D. Eddy and Wilhelmina
Eddy. He was the firstborn of five children. Naomi Smith, Ruth
McQueen, June Eddy and Barabara Edwards are his loving sisters.
He
grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Clairton High School in
1945. Following high school, Gerald served in the U.S. Navy from 1945
to 1946. At war’s end, he pursued life, along with marriage to
Ninetta J. Eddy, and his education at Nyack College, where he studied
for the ministry.
Gerald
and Ninetta had three children: Paul Eddy, Timothy Eddy and Faith
Eddy Lick. Gerald and Ninetta ministered in several Nazarene churches
throughout New England over the course of his ministry. During his
pastorate in Danbury, Conn., he pursued his master’s degree in
pastoral counseling through Ionia College, while Ninetta went back to
school to pursue her nursing career.
Dad
was a wonderful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. When I think about
the legacy that my dad has given to us and to so many who had the
opportunity to get to know him, we are reminded of his gentleness,
generosity, kindness beyond measure and compassion. His love for God
transformed who he was and what he did each day he lived, but most
important was the life he lived through Jesus Christ. He was a man of
faith in God, constant and unwavering in what he believed and knew to
be true. Once dad came to faith in Christ, his heart was drawn to
ministry to others, always wanting to make sure you knew about the
hope and life you too could have in Christ. We are privileged to have
been given such an earthly father. We are forever grateful for this.
After
retiring he and Ninetta first moved to Island Pond, Vt., where they
enjoyed snowmobiling, the lake and boating, along with hosting many
wonderful fun-filled family gatherings over the 15 years there. In
retirement, the church continued to be a vital part of their life.
They often enjoyed fellowship and times of encouragement with
friends.
Gerald
loved traveling with Ninetta, visiting throughout the 50 states.
Their favorite places were the coastal regions and Vermont.
They
enjoyed being grandparents to eight grandchildren: Jarred Eddy, Marissa Eddy Shivic, Justin Eddy, Jasmin
Eddy, Kaleb Eddy, Gretchen Lick Hight, Kirstin Lick Carter and
Michaela Lick. He was proud of each one of them and their many
accomplishments.
He
is survived by his children, Diane Eddy, wife of Paul Eddy; Tim Eddy
and his wife, Chunson-Choe; and Faith Lick and her husband, Ken;
grandchildren, Marissa Shivick and her husband, Joe; Jarred Eddy,
Justin Eddy and Hillary, Jasmin Eddy, Kaleb Eddy, Gretchen Lick Hight
and her husband, Alex; Kirstin Lick Carter and her husband, Jeff; and
Michaela Lick and her fiancée, Andrew.
He
was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Ninetta J. Eddy; Paul Eddy
(son); and Ruth McQueen, (sister)
Come
celebrate Gerald’s life with us at a memorial service on Saturday,
November 16, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Jericho Congregational Church in
Jericho, Vt.
In
lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local church. The family
would like to honor their father by having others consider planting a
tree in the spring. Evergreens often symbolize immortality and
eternal life, because they retain their leaves throughout the winter.
We celebrate the fact that dad has received the gift of eternal life
through Jesus Christ, his precious savior.
Arrangements
are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To
send online condolences, please visit cremationsocietycc.com.
This article appears in Nov 6-12, 2024.