Obituary of Gerald Hughes Dee, Sr.

Rochester - Passed away on May 22, 2026 at the age of 96.

He is predeceased by his wife, Mary Crowley Dee (d.1993), his wife, Joan Mulholland Dee (d. 2022); brother, Joseph F. Dee, Jr.

Survived by his sister, Deborah Curran; children, Eileen (Henry) Campbell, Janice Dee Chapin, Connie (Daryl) Dee-McCullough, Gerald H. (Mary Boehm) Dee, Jr., Bridget (Ed Hourihan) Dee, Brian (Maureen) Mulholland and Maura (Michael Crowley) Mulholland; many adoring grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Jerry was born on May 2, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts and spent his youth surrounded by his loving parents, Helen and Joseph, his revered brother, Joe, beloved sister, Deborah,  and a large extended Irish family. He enjoyed an adventuresome youth, exploring the shores of the New England coast, playing regional baseball, and organizing games of pond hockey and tennis. His love of sports and competition began in childhood and sustained him throughout his life.

After graduating from St. Anselm College, he served in the US Marine Corp. as a Captain stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He married Mary Crowley in 1956 in Belmont, Massachusetts. Eventually, Jerry’s career in business brought them to Rochester, New York where he and Mary raised five children among an enduring network of fun-loving and loyal friends. After suffering the loss of his beloved wife, Mary, Jerry was fortunate to meet and marry Joan Mulholland, with whom he shared a wonderful and rich 26-year marriage.

Throughout his life, Jerry was active in a multitude of organizations that reflected his values and interests including The Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Irish Cultural Institute, Rochester Sister Cities, St. Margaret Mary’s Social Justice Committee, Refugee Resettlement Project and VFW Post 9483 of Webster, New York.

A true Irishman, he could tell a story with great humor and loved to share in song and dance. He particularly enjoyed his many grandchildren and shared a unique bond with each one of them; Tim (Lisa Yamaguchi) Campbell, Brian Campbell, Colin Campbell, Brendan Chapin, Brennan McCullough, Dommiss McCullough, Kaitlyn McCullough, Bridget (Liam Pfaff) McCullough, Maeve Hourihan, Matthew Hourihan, William Hourihan, Jessica Mulholland, Clare Mulholland and Brigid Mulholland.

Jerry was a kind soul who will be remembered for his quick wit, unwavering faith, and compassion for others.

Family and friends are invited to call at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, 570 Kings Hwy South, Rochester, NY 14617, Sunday, May 31, from 2:00PM - 5:00PM. His Funeral Mass will be held Monday, 10:00AM at St. Jerome's Church, 207 Garfield Street, East Rochester, NY 14445. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Kindly consider donations to The Abbey of the Genesee, 3258 River Road, Piffard, New York 14533.