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NORWALK, Conn. – Longtime Rowayton resident Gerald F. Laird, 90, died Thursday, May 14, at the Notre Dame Convalescent Hospital in Norwalk.
He was born Oct. 22, 1924, in Omaha to Samuel and Clara (Fleming) Laird. After graduating from Benson High School, he entered active service with the Army Air Force. During that time, he studied engineering at Stanford University. He served with the 315th Bomb Wing (VH) in the 16th Bomb Group, which operated from Guam during World War II. He went on to study journalism at the University of Missouri where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
He worked for several different advertising agencies during his ca. He lived in Pittsburgh and Dobbs Ferry before moving to Rowayton, Conn., in 1959. During his retirement years, he formed his own ad agency, co-wrote “Frames and Framing” with Louise Dunn, volunteered with the Stephen Ministries, taught and studied at Lifetime Learners, was the host on the public access show “Carousel,” and in his 70s, became a Cabaret singer somewhat by accident when he was able to supply lyrics for a song while covering a cabaret event.
After taking several “Singing Experience” workshops with Linda Amiel Burns, he performed solo shows at several venues in Norwalk and in New York City. He was a member of The New York Sheet Music Society and served as editor of their newsletter. He also recorded eight albums.
He had been married for 58 years to Teresa (McNamee) Laird before she died July 17, 2014.
He was predeceased by three sisters and one brother.
He is survived by his son, Robert, of Falmouth, Massachusetts; daughter, Dana, of Rowayton; and three nephews.
Family will received friends Thursday, from 6-8 p.m. at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rowayton Historical Society, PO Box 106, Rowayton, CT 06853, the Rowayton Art Center, 145 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton , CT 06853 or the charity of one’s choice.
Interment will be private.
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