Gerard Suich passed away suddenly on November 3, 2015, after fighting a courageous battle against cancer for the past eight years. Gerry was born to Mary and John Suich of Stratford, CT on November 5th, 1948. He was the quarterback and captain of his Stratford High School football team. Gerry went on to graduate from Central Connecticut State College in 1966 and taught in the Bloomfield School systems until 1978. From there he went on to get Masters Degrees in Guidance Counseling from Fairfield University, and Special Education from Plymouth State University. Gerry met his wife Carol while he was Director at Downer 4-H Camp in Vermont where Carol was the camp nurse. Carol and Gerry married on March 8th, 1980 and spent many years traveling the Western USA and backpacking through the Yukon Territory and Alaska. While living in California for three years, their favorite camping beach was San Onofre State Park. Upon returning to New England, Gerry was a Special Educator at Indian River School for 11 years before moving on to Orford and Rivendell Academy for 17 years. As one parent stated, "Gerry is the only teacher that presented my child's strengths and values rather than his challenges. He made me see my child in a whole new light." Gerry was known to inspire hope; he always went to great lengths to help and assist students, friends and family. He looked up to the likes of Vince Lombardi and JFK. Gerry was a quiet, thoughtful man, loving brother and devoted father. He lived each day to the fullest and taught us all to do the same. He leaves his wife Carol Williams-Suich, his daughter Gilliann Szucs and her husband Mikki Hansen, his son Wiatt Suich, his brother Douglas Suich of Stratford, CT and his sister Sandra Suich and her husband Thomas Sullivan of Boston, MA as well as the extended Williams family, many cousins and good friends. Gerry was a sports enthusiast; he followed the Saint Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers avidly and was even a shareholder along with his daughter. The family had a wonderful trip to Green Bay in 2013 where Gerry got to watch his Packers play in Lambeau Field. Even when battling cancer Gerry continued teaching, coaching, and being an active part of the school community. Over the years he coached women's community slow pitch Softball, Softball while Gilliann played in school and then Baseball with Wiatt. On his last trip, last August, Gerry got to share his passion for fishing and the great outdoors with his son Wiatt and his life long friend Bruce. At home he enjoyed sitting with the family watching TV, reading a good book usually about politics or history, or besting us all at any card or board game. He was the reigning Champion of Checkers. He would play kickball or whiffle ball with his family in the backyard until the first snowfall or when the weather allowed. Always the competitor, the weather could never interfere with him having fun with his family. Gerry loved nothing more then his family and celebrating Christmas. Gerry's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6th, at 1 PM, at Rivendell Academy. Please contact Head of School, Keri Gelenian for more details. Donations may be made in honor of Gerry to Rivendell School Scholarship Fund.