Gerald Ernest Slater

Gerald Ernest Slater passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at the age of 64, in his home, surrounded by love. He faced his illness with the quiet courage and strength for which he was known.

Born in Willimantic, Connecticut, Gerald—affectionately known as Gerry—grew up in the family business, Slater Caterers, sharing his father’s passion and working alongside his family. Those early years shaped him into the kind, compassionate, steady, and hardworking person he became. Gerry built a life centered on service, hard work, and deep love for his family.

Gerry will be remembered for his love of disco music, his impressive roller-skating skills, and his “magic hands” that could fix anything. He loved walking swap meets whether it was with his kids or a good friend, as well as spending time in the Outer Banks, enjoying and appreciating life’s simplest moments. Most of all, he will be remembered for his big heart and accepting nature.

After working most of his life in the family business, Gerry pursued a career where he could continue giving back to others by caring for individuals with disabilities at Network, Inc. During his time there, he developed many close relationships with both staff and the individuals he supported, and those relationships continued throughout the remainder of his life. Several years into his career at Network, Gerry had the opportunity to become Fleet Manager, allowing him to once again work with his hands while still maintaining the meaningful connections he had built.

Gerry made the difficult decision to retire from Network, Inc. early due to his declining health, but retirement gave him the opportunity to focus on his family and friends and pursue his passion for cars and tinkering in his garage. Even as his health began to fail, his family was deeply impressed by his determination and perseverance as he completed his final restoration project of his 1962 Galaxie.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Lesley, and granddaughter, Faith; his daughter, Ashley Jones, and her husband, Russell, and their two children, Slater and Ruby; his son, Jeremy Slater, and his wife, Grace, and their three children, Juniper, Ernest, and Elvis; his son, Mitchell Ducharme, and his wife, Dana, and their four children, Mica, Max, Marcelene, and Magdelene; his son, Matthew Ducharme, and his wife, Jessica, and their two children, McKenna and Maverick; and his daughters, Meaghan and Danielle.

Gerry also leaves behind his mother, Beth Ann; his sister, Heidi, and her wife, Cheryl; his sister, Kim; as well as his many nieces and nephews whom he treasured, a wide circle of friends and his two beloved dogs, Charlie and Bo.

He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence, and his brother, Lawrence II (Chip). Gerry’s loss will be felt in countless ways, including by the friends and neighbors who often relied on his skill and willingness to lend a hand.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s name to:

Network, Inc., 23 Route 6, Andover, CT 06232, or at networkhumanservices.org.