Gerard (Gerry) C. Smith Obituary (1949 - 2025)

Gerard (Gerry) C. Smith of Henderson, Nevada and longtime resident of Wheaton, Illinois passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025. Gerry was born on December 21, 1949 at Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles E. Smith and Margaret (Peggy) M. Smith (nee McCormack); Maternal Grandparents Luke P. McCormack and Cecelia M. (nee Surprenant), and Paternal Grandparents Charles R. Smith and Helen Geen (nee McNellis). Gerry was the loving brother of Debbie Bouche and Maggie McCormack. Surviving Gerry are also his nieces Jennie (Tom) Ryan and Heather (Matt) Therriault, his great-nieces Maggie Ryan, Madeline and Danielle Therriault, twenty first cousins along with his Recovery family. Gerry was a kind, generous, patient, compassionate, loyal, optimistic, gregarious, brave, selfless, and humble man. If you were blessed to know him, you know what a gentle, loving man he was. He lived a life of substance, integrity and honor. He lived a life that matters. The phrase, “he never met a stranger” so perfectly describes Gerry, as he would smile and initiate friendly conversations with anyone and everyone he chanced upon. Fellow Veterans would be greeted with a smile, a handshake, a “hello brother”, and words of gratitude for their service to our Country. Gerry was extremely proud to have served in the United States Marines. Gerry touched immeasurable lives, leaving this world a brighter place. In addition to Gerry having been a devoted son, loving brother, caring uncle, and cherished cousin, he was a steadfast and faithful friend to untold others who were an integral and deeply valued part of his life. His sisters are grateful to all of you for your love, support, friendship and fellowship with him through the years. “Golly Gee Willikers” Gerry, you will be deeply missed and long remembered. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude and appreciation to cousin Dr. Anthony McCormack, long time friends Rick and Rhonda Brunett, Leslie O’Connor, Brigid Duffield, Bill and Mary Hogan, to the exceptional team of Doctors, Nurses, Technicians and staff of the Hines Veterans Hospital, Hines, Illinois, as well as to Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, Nevada for their compassionate care giving. Inurnment will be private. Donations in his memory will be appreciated under “Gerard C. Smith” to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (877-832-6997) www.woundedwarrierproject.org. Kindly remember Gerry by extending a smile and friendly hello to a passerby or by helping someone in need. Arrangements made by La Paloma Funeral Services, Las Vegas, Nevada and Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, Wheaton, Illinois. “Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.” (There will never be the likes of him again.)