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Gerald Geraghty Obituary

Born in Corona, California, on the naval base because his mom was a Sargent. Grew up in Northern CA, but moved south to attend University of Southern CA. Served the swim team there as a go-get-um guy. Taught and coached at San Ramon High School in Danville, CA. Moved to Jackson, Wyoming, in 1994. Taught and coached at Jackson Hole High School. Met and married Lauren Hope Boos there. Moved to Durango in 2001. Both of his children were born while he taught at Durango High School. He founded River Run for Orphans in 2008 which helped organizations raise money for the orphan-causes of their choice. He was an active member of Durango Motorless Travel, attended most Tuesday-Night- Rides, served Ft Lewis Cycling for a bit, attended Masters Men, and opened and co-directed Phoenix Fellowship Sober Living Home in his own home.

Some of Gerry's cognitive decline may have been associated with being struck by a car while he was riding his bike in Tucson in 2004. In October 2016, tests found Gerry's memory loss to be profound and having significant negative impact on day-to-day functioning.

April 2018 results from a second MRI and a second neuropsychological evaluation most closely matched an individual with Alzheimer's disease. This summer Gerry's neurologist confirmed Early Onset Alzheimer's and recommended him for in-home Hospice because his care needs were increasing dramatically.

Gerry has been a very accomplished endurance athlete his whole life and is convinced that exercise not only keeps the body healthy, but the mind also. Gerry would remind all those suffering from any type of dementia to keep your body and mind moving with exercise.

Gerry passed peacefully in his own home on November 13, at about 2:30 p.m. surrounded by his wife, one of his many faithful CDASS attendants, and one of the many amazing Hospice care providers. As he took his last breath, they were discussing over him the last chapter of Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor in which "Stand-Fast" was summoned by the KING to cross over the dark river to enter the Celestial City.

Gerry is survived by his Wife: Lauren Geraghty, Son: Sean Geraghty, Daughter: Nora Geraghty, Brother: James Geraghty . He is preceded in death by his Father: Stephen Geraghty, Mother: Veronica Geraghty.

Donation in Gerry's honor can be made to Walk to End Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk?px=22698143&pg=personal&fr_id=17490

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Nov. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Lisa Offner

November 27, 2024

I´ll remember Gerry as one who lived out his faith with action. My faith in God grew from knowing him. God bless you Lauren, Sean & Noah

Kim (Peters) Fairley

November 24, 2024

I knew Gerry through USC Swimming. He was a sweet guy who thought of others first. I'm so sorry that he struggled with Alzheimer's. He will always remain a bright light in my memories of swimming at SC.

David Reed

November 22, 2024

Indominable optimist, servant of the Lord, lover of all humankind. Gerry, you are missed but your impact on others lives on! Fight on, brother!

Diana Wright

November 21, 2024

Rest In peace, Gerry. Sending condolences to your family. You will be missed. You lived a good life loving others and walking the talk. Our sons were at Needham together and you always gave of yourself to help others.

Cecil and Lisa Brown

November 20, 2024

Lauren and family...we are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Gerry. His heart for the Lord was huge and his passion for running was remarkable. His training and instruction to help Cecil run the Imogene Pass race is something we still talk about to this day. We will always treasure our time with the Geraghty family while we were in Durango, and you will remain in our prayers in the days to come.

Kathy Ray

November 20, 2024

Gerry was one of the nicest men I´ve ever known He left his mark on this world for many and will be missed....

Brian Dowd

November 19, 2024

Gerry was my high school cross country and track coach. He ran with us, right in the front, and taught us the finer tricks of racing. We had great teams and he was a great coach. He really believed in me which made a lasting difference in my life. He also taught me about being a servant leader, which in his words applied whether it was "cleaning toilets or speaking to a crowd." My memories of Gerry are many and they include moments of significance and silliness. I'll miss him.

Diane Trembly

November 18, 2024

I had the privilege of working with Gerry at Durango High School. He was always friendly and helpful to everyone. One year he had my name in our Secret Santa week. I still have the beautiful glass serving dish he gave me. He will be missed!

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