Father Gerry Died on Wednesday

The United States Province of Xaverian Missionaries mourns the death of Father Gerard ("Father Gerry") G. Furlan SX., 82, who died on Dec.  11, 2013. 

On Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, while walking on the Fatima Shrine grounds he fell backwards and hit his head very hard on the asphalt.  Fr. Gerry was in a coma from which he never recovered. He remained unconscious throughout the day. Fr. Francis gave Fr. Gerry the last rites. Throughout the day he was surrounded by his confreres, the Xaverian sisters and Tara one of our friends. Together with Fr. Tony we kept Fr. Gerry company praying the Psalms and then the Office for the Dead. His heart stopped beating at 1:54 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013.

For the full obituary, click here.

Father Gerry served as the Treasurer of the Xaverian community of Holliston, MA from 1973- 1980. In 2000, he returned to Holliston, MA where he was once again Treasurer of Xaverian Community from 2005 till 2008. Besides serving the community he continued to be active in pastoral ministry to local parishes and especially to the Sisters at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham until his death. He is survived by his brother Enoc and by nephews and nieces all living in Italy.

Fr. Joseph Metteucig SX, Rector of the Xaverian Missionaries community in Holliston recalls Fr. Gerry as “faithful worker of the Gospel. Whether here or in the missions, always an active, generous, serene, compassionate, and dedicated confrere. Available to help even in the most simple tasks. Like the Martha of the Gospel often working behind the scene making sure that things moved on smoothly. We will miss his faithful presence, his practical skills in the kitchen or in his garden. The Shrine will certainly miss his "Indonesian Hail Mary", his hot chocolate during the Christmas Lights, passing out the candles at the 13th of the Month gatherings and his creativity in painting the signs for league activities. Gerry, we are going to miss you, good and faithful servant of the Gospel. May God continue to reward you for all the simple and humble ways which helped us carry on our mission and our ministry here in Holliston. Thank you!”

Arrangements

Visitation will be at Fatima Shrine Church, 101 Summer Street, Holliston, on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at the Shrine, Monday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m. followed by the burial in the Xaverian Community Cemetery.