Our beloved father, dad, grandpa and grumps, was called home by God, to be with Him and our mother, Donna. Gerald died in Rome, Italy on July 23, 2025, after he was seriously injured by a fall during a family vacation.

Gerald is survived by his loving children, Michael (Amyjane) Genier and Karen (Jim) Rappleye; his grandchildren, Sophia Genier, Joseph Genier and Lucia Genier, Sarah (Meghan) Rappleye and Daniel Rappleye; his sisters, Dianne Booth and Suzanne (Bill) Scott; his sister-in-law, Pattie (Bill) Hargather; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was predeceased by his wife, Donna Genier; his parents, Lucien and Antoinette Genier; and his siblings, Gisele Lear and Ronald Genier.

Gerald was born at home in Williamstown, Ontario, Canada in 1942 before immigrating to the United States with his family in 1947. Dad’s family managed several farms and later owned their own dairy farms in Northern New York, where he grew up and helped work them with his parents. He graduated high school from LaFargeville Central School District where he was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA). He attended Canton A&T Institute (now SUNY Canton, Canton, NY) then went on to the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, where he graduated in 1967 with a BS in Agriculture. Gerald had hoped to continue farming, but fortunately, for us, he met our mother Donna while working in Rochester and adapted to city life. Dad had the gift of gab and loved interacting with people. Gerald worked many kinds of jobs over the years: farmer, industrial tank cleaner, feed store manager, paint store manager, and, for many decades, salesman for building material companies in the Rochester area. Well after retirement, Gerald picked up the hardest and most important job in his life: providing unwavering, loving care for our mother, at home, for the final four years of her life.

Gerald and Donna’s home was always open to family and friends. Dad loved to talk and tell stories from the past and to discuss farming, history, genealogy & current events over coffee or one of mom’s meals. Dad had a deep love for his family and friends. He most enjoyed it when his family gathered, always proudly snapping photos to commemorate their time together.

Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling together around the United States and Canada; they also relished many good times at their cottage in the 1000 Islands. They took many winter trips to Florida and their epic cross-country driving trip, always making time to see friends and relatives along the way. Our family made a final trip with Gerald to Italy, where he had longed to go one day with our mother: a bittersweet last trip on earth before his final ride to be with the Angels and Donna forever!

Gerald’s life story will be shared during his visitation on Monday August 11th, 5-8 pm at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester 14626. A Rite of Christian Burial will celebrated on Tuesday August 12th, 9:30am at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, 3010 Chili Avenue, Rochester 14624. Immediately following mass, Gerald will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald’s name may be sent to the LaFargeville School District’s FFA chapter: LaFargeville FFA, 20414 Sunrise Ave, PO BOX 138, LaFargeville, NY 13656; or WestSide Express (a volunteer transportation service where Dad volunteered his time, in retirement): WestSide Express, 3237 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624.