Daniel Anthony Gerard, Jr.'s Obituary
Daniel Anthony Gerard was born on February 14, 1953 in Gainesville, Florida. He was the beloved father of Sarah Gerard and husband of Margaret Gerard. Daniel died suddenly in his home of a heart attack on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He graduated from Gainesville High, and then received his AA from Santa Fe Community College.
Dan joined the US Army in 1973 where he served his country in the Vietnam War. He was a Scout in E Troop, in the 153rd Calvary. After the war ended Dan spent another 8 years in the Army based in places such as Germany, and Johnson Island, serving as a Military Police Officer.
Upon his return to Gainesville, Dan joined the National Guard, and was hired on at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department. He was a Deputy Sheriff for 14 years, before being promoted to Sergeant for the remainder of his career. He worked with the ASO Dive Team, Narcotics, Crime Scene, Forensics, Uniform Patrol, Crime Prevention, and Juvenile Relations. Dan retired from ASO in 2013, but remained with Sheriffs Department Reserves.
In 1997 Dan returned to St. Leo University, where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice.
Dan was an avid muscle car guy, and a dedicated member of the Misfits Motorsports in Gainesville. His prize possession was his 1968 Plymouth GTX.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at the WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143 St. Following the service, a graveside memorial will be held at the Micanopy Historic Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 30, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to The American Heart Association, 1101 Northchase Parkway, Suite 1 Marietta, GA 30067-6411.
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