Obituary: Deacon Gerard J. Kaelin, Taught Law at Northeastern University

Obituary from C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors.

Deacon Gerard J. Kaelin, 81, of Danvers, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. We cherish and honor the memory of our beloved father and husband who is now with our Heavenly Father for eternity. Gerry shared his love for Jesus Christ throughout his journey of faith. He was the beloved husband of Janet (Cavallaro) Kaelin, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife he leaves five children: Gwen Kaelin of the North End, Gerry Kaelin and his wife Tina of Washington State, Barbara Doyle and her husband Brian of Florida, Brian Kaelin and his wife Mary of Norwood, and Diane Rennicks of Hamilton and eleven grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his sister Wilma Guilfoyle and his brother Col. Daniel Kaelin.

Born and raised in Pittsburg, PA on July 21, 1933, he was the son of the late Edward and Marie (Mueller) Kaelin. He graduated from Saint John’s University in New York and the New England School of Law. He was a corporate attorney throughout his career and maintained a local private practice. He taught law at Northeastern University. Gerry proudly served in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War.

In 1992, he became an ordained Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. His deaconate ministry included his involvement at St. John’s Parish in Swampscott, St. Agnes Parish in Middleton, and as prison chaplain at the Essex County Jail.

He enjoyed tennis, golf, and bridge. He always looked forward to his Friday night poker games with his longtime friends of forty years. He was a gifted writer, poet and communicator. He was seldom seen without a pen or book in his hand.

We will miss his kind spirit, great sense of humor, insightful spirituality and guidance and unconditional love.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at noon in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday evening from 5-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Francis House, 39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.