Obituary: Gerard M. Padden, 72

Gerard “Gerry” Michael Padden, 72, died after a long battle with cancer at his home on Sunday, July 26th, in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

He was born on March 10, 1943 at St. Francis Hospital in New York City to Gerard and Rose Padden.

He married Milisa in 1968 and together, they raised Kristin and Gerard III in Rhode Island. Coming from a very large extended family with dozens of cousins, Gerry was always looking to add more members to his family with every person he met.

A figurative father to many, his friendship and heart were always open to everyone. He dedicated many years of his life to his career in numerous capacities with American Airlines, most notably his role as General Manager at the T.F. Green location. He was a man of many crafts, but had an exceptional skill at creating anything with his hands and a vast knowledge of fixing just about everything. His warm smile and wild humor always commanded a room and had a knack for telling a good story that normally left everyone in tears from laughing.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Milisa, his daughter Kristin, her husband Marc, his son Gerard, his fiancee, Adrienne and his sister, Maureen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 31st at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial will be private. Calling hours: Thursday, July 30th from 5PM to 8PM at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.