Obituary of Michael Clark Gerard

Michael Clark Gerard, 41, passed away suddenly on Nov 25th. He was an alumni of Mendham HS and Rutgers University and worked for Tilcon. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Cheryl Gerard of Mendham, sisters and brothers in law Kristine & Bryan Hawthorne of Denver and Laura & David Goldstein of Princeton, 1 niece and 4 nephews. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday Dec 5th at 11 AM at St Marks Church – 7 East Main St in Mendham. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in his name at gofundme.com Michael Clark Gerard was born on October 22nd, 1974 in Niantic, CT to Joseph and Cheryl Gerard. His sisters, Kristine and Laura joined the family in 1977 and 1979. The Gerard family moved to Byram, NJ in 1979 where Michael started school. Even as a young child his intelligence and unique way of solving problems was apparent, he enjoyed competing in Odyssey of the Mind and debate. The Gerards moved to Mendham in 1984 and Mike started at Mountain View School. He was on the Twin Boro Bear's football team for a short time but his passion for sports was most evident as an engaged observer. He knew every Yankee's batting average and began a huge card collection. He avidly watched the Giants (and all NJ sports teams). He attended Mendham High School where he was the Basketball Team Manager and frustrated multiple teachers (and his parents) because he aced every test but didn't turn in much homework. He graduated in 1993 and attended Rutgers University, Cook College, where he was a RA for several years. While at Rutgers his passion for sports grew to include all Rutgers sports - especially football. After his time at Rutgers he worked for Marriott and then Tilcon as a Scale Operator / Dispatcher. Mike was always a loyal son and grandson, amazing brother, loving cousin & nephew and a great friend. He was devoted, kind and patient with his grandparents in their last years. He loved swimming in the ocean with Uncle Doug and watching horse races with Aunt Suzanne and his cousin Stephanie. Over the past 8 years he enjoyed being called Uncle Mike and shared his interest in space, weather and interesting conversations with his nephews Dylan, Kyle, Joey & Logan and his niece Abby. He passed away suddenly and way too soon on Wednesday Nov 25th. We will miss him immensely. We hope you will think of Mike every time you watch a game with an exciting finish (and proper clock management), swim in the ocean (especially if it's cold), think about things differently (why not land on Mars? or support the Libertarian party?) or do something kind for someone in need (without expecting a thanks)….just as Mike would. Thank you for being here to celebrate his life.