Gerard "Gerry" Ashby, 94, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Marieville, Quebec, Canada, he was the son of the late Richard and Anna (L'Homme) Ashby.

Gerry attended school in Montreal. During World War II he served in the Canadian Army until his honorable discharge in 1946. He moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1952, and then to Niagara Falls, NY to work at the Carborundum Company. He retired from Carborundum in 1987 after 34 years.

He met his beloved wife, Gilberte "Jill" (Sawyer) Ashby, while she was on vacation in Niagara Falls. They were married on October 18, 1958 in Sainte Rosalie Catholic Church, Ste Rosalie, Quebec and returned to the US to begin their lives together.

Gerry was a kind, compassionate man and a loving husband, father and friend. He touched many lives and was always available to help anyone in need.  As a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart Church, he was a longtime member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, serving as president for 7 years. He was active in their Food Pantry, preparing and delivering food and baskets to the needy during the holidays and throughout the year.

Gerry enjoyed coin collecting, gardening, fixing anything that was broken, and life in general. Above all, he treasured his family. Summers were spent travelling and camping in their RV throughout the US and Canada.  As the grandchildren were born, they became his pride and joy.  They all will treasure their amazing memories of their Papa.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Mr. Ashby is survived by one daughter, Lucy Andrews, one son, David (Miranda) Ashby, and was predeceased by his daughter, Ann Marie Ashby.  He is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren: Jessica Ashby, Matthew (Ashleigh) Andrews, Emily Andrews, Mark Andrews, Christian Ashby and Leah Ashby, two great-grandchildren, Jayson and Jayden Bosley, and baby Easton Andrews who will be born in July, as well as many loving nieces and nephews in the Montreal area.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 12, from 1-3 and 6-8 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304. Mr. Ashby's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 9:30 A.M. at St. Mary's of the Cataract Church, 259 4 ^th Street, Niagara Falls, NY.  Everyone please assemble at church.  Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Memorial offerings in Gerry's name may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Divine Mercy Conference, 2437 Niagara Street, Niagara Falls, NY. 14303. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.