Canton Obituary: Gerald deSimas, 82

Gerald G. deSimas, 82, of Collinsville, died on Friday, November 3, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Hartford, November 10, 1934, he was the son of the late Joseph and Eileen (Gray) deSimas. He grew up in Farmington and graduated from Farmington High School. Gerry served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and worked in the commercial printing industry for more than 40 years.

He was a charter member of the Connecticut Canoe Racing Association in 1979 and served as a committee chair for four years, including two years as editor of the newsletter. He was the organizer for the King Philip Cup canoe race on the Farmington River for 10 years. Twice, he volunteered to lead Boy Scouts in Canton’s Troop 177 on week-long canoe trips - one on the Connecticut River and one to Maine.

He was an avid cyclist who enjoyed riding throughout northwest Connecticut for years. Twice, he raced up Mount Washington in New Hampshire. He competed in many team triathlons with his family, frequently cycling and canoeing. The family won the family division at the Josh Billings Triathlon in Pittsfield, MA, five times.

He competed in canoeing for many years, participating in several national championship races. He also won several state championships paddling with his sons. He was an avid fan of UConn basketball, New York Giants, New York Yankees, and the Tour de France.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine (Bellizzi), his five children, Gerald, Jr., and wife, Jennifer, of Avon; Jeanne Sterck and husband, Tyler, of Weston; Edward and his companion, Annette Burke, of Simsbury; William and his wife, Christine, of Keyport, N.J. and Elizabeth Schuellein and her husband Robert, of Fairfield; his sister, Barbara Bowie of Westbrook, a niece Ann Bowie and husband Ed, of Canterbury; and eight grandchildren, Sarah, Julia, Alexandra, Samantha, Jessica, Sophia, Eva and Grayson. He was predeceased by his niece Brenda Bowie and his brother in law, C. Edward Bowie.

His family will receive friends Saturday, Nov. 11, from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon followed by A Celebration of Gerry’s Life at 1 p.m. at Carmon’s.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toys for Tots campaign or the American Cancer Society.