Gerard G. Walter Obituary (1942

Gerard G. Walter, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, craftsman, and master cooper, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Dianne; his sons Gerard (Mary Ann), Thomas (Lisa), and Garret (Naeun); his grandchildren Kristina (Matthew), Alexandria (Robert), Derek (Kelsey), Morgan (Stephen), and Gerard (Jen); and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Jean and Lois (George), and his sister-in-law, Wendy. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerard S. Walter and Loretta Walter. Jerry was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1942 and was raised in a blue-collar, working-class family that instilled in him a deep respect for hard work, craftsmanship, and perseverance. As a young man, he worked alongside his father in the family electrical contracting business, where he developed practical skills as an electrician and a lasting appreciation for the trades—values that stayed with him throughout his life. Jerry was the first person in his family to attend college, a milestone that reflected both his determination and his belief that education could change lives. He graduated from North Catholic High School and went on to attend Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a Doctorate in Education—an achievement that reflected both his discipline and his lifelong belief in the power of learning. In 1968, Jerry moved to Rochester, New York to begin what would become a distinguished and impactful career at the newly formed National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at RIT. He served for many years as Director of Institutional Research and made significant national contributions to deaf education. Jerry was widely published, including books that are held in the Library of Congress, and his work helped shape research, policy, and practice in the field. In addition to his professional career, Jerry was deeply committed to service. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Rochester School for the Deaf, including two terms as President, continuing his lifelong dedication to education and advocacy for the Deaf community. Jerry was also a constant presence in his sons’ lives, especially through athletics. He was always actively involved in their sports organizations, frequently serving in executive and leadership roles, giving generously of his time and energy. Together, Jerry and Dianne shared a passion for home renovation, culminating in the complete restoration of their 1828 Limestone Federal-style country home. During this time, Jerry attended numerous woodworking classes at RIT’s School for American Crafts, becoming an accomplished woodworker and furniture maker. He later combined his love of history, craftsmanship, and the trades into a new pursuit: coopering—the art of barrel making. (Yes, beer, Scotch, bourbon, and wine… and Jerry was definitely a beer guy.) Jerry became instrumental in preserving the traditional craft of coopering, eventually earning the title of Master Cooper. He trained and mentored coopers throughout the country and even taught the well-known television travel personality Samantha Brown. He also practiced his craft as a period interpreter at his beloved Genesee Country Museum and Village, where he brought history to life for countless visitors by demonstrating the art of coopering as it was practiced in the 19th century. His passion ensured that this historic trade would continue for future generations. Above all else, Jerry was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was endlessly amazed by the power of education and the doors it could open. All of his children and grandchildren have earned multiple degrees—an accomplishment that brought him immense pride. His legacy lives on in the lives he taught, the crafts he preserved, the family he cherished, and the values he carried from his earliest days. A memorial service will be held on March 14th at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. More information to follow. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rochester School for the Deaf or the Genesee Countey Village and Museum. Keep on learning… and keep on coopering