GERARD M. FOGARTY. Heaven got a new angel when Gerard “Gerry” Fogarty passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 4, 2022 in Bay Shore, New York. He was born in Brooklyn on August 13, 1945 to John and Catherine Fogarty, immigrants form Tipperary, Ireland. He lived most of his life on Long Island. Gerard married Marie Elizabeth Minkler on August 2, 1975 and they had three children John Fogarty, Lauren McGowan and Heather Withee. After high school at St. John’s Preparatory School and Borough Hall Academy, he attended the Academy of Aeronautics and worked as a draftsman for Carrier Air Conditioning. Gerard served in the US Army National Guard, then worked for General Motors in New York before embarking on a 50+ year career in the academic apparel industry. Over nearly half a century, Gerry built Fogarty Enterprises to be the leading supplier of caps & gowns and athletic apparel to hundreds of grade schools, high schools and colleges across Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. His positive outlook on life and dedication to this family business left countless thousands of graduates and their families and teachers with happy memories over those 5 decades. But much more important than business and the impact he had on the lives of those tens of thousands of graduates, Gerry’s number one priority and source of joy in life was his family. Marie, the love of his life and bride of 47 years was Gerry’s pride and joy. Once a “stranger on the shore” she became his lifelong partner and soulmate. And the family they built together are as close as families can be – thanks to the example of love, positivity and faith in God that they have always set. His seven grandchildren adored their “Pop”, his constant encouragement, funny jokes and great big hugs.

His three children have an unbreakable bond of friendship forged by the loving example their mom and dad forged. Gerry was a strong though humble pillar of the community in West Islip and Bay Shore and schools across Long Island. Known to countless principals, teachers and administrator for his smile and impeccable customer service; his approach to business was based on servant leadership and friendship. As an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in West Islip since 1975, Gerry set a model of faith-filled involvement spending years volunteering for the school, leading the Holy Name Society(feast and golf outing), serving on the Parish Council and bringing the gift of his smile and good humor to everyone he met – including many who would become lifelong friends. After moving into Bay Shore’s Sunscape community in 2015, Gerry and Marie forged dozens of new friendships and were very active in the life of this neighborhood. One of Gerard’s favorite movie lines to quote was “You’re never fully dressed without a smile”. And he will always be remembered for the smiles he brought to the faces of anyone he met. He is survived by his loving wife Marie, son John (Christie), daughters Lauren McGowan (Tommy) and Heather Withee (Tom), brother Edward (Jeani), seven grandchildren Quinn, Molly and Catherine McGowan, Neala, Keane and Fianna Fogarty and Will Withee; many cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends. Wake services will be held at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home in West Islip (1225 Montauk Highway) Tuesday, June 7 from 2-5 pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in West Islip (455 Hunter Avenue) on Wednesday June 8 at 10:30 am.