Mr. Gerald Wayne Chick, 91, beloved husband of Geraldine A. “Geri” Chick, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Onancock, where they had recently made their home. Longtime former residents of Toms River, N.J., Gerald and Geri settled in Schooner Bay, Onancock, following a couple brief moves along the way. They immediately embraced the Eastern Shore of Virginia as their new home, continuing to share their love with many over the years, evidenced in their extended family who treasured them.
Born June 17, 1933 in Jersey City, Gerald was a son of the late Francis H. Chick and Victoria Rotunda Chick. Gerald attended Panzer University in East Orange, N.J. and served his country for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant prior to his discharge.
His professional career was in international trading, including importing and exporting for various steamship companies. This work took Gerald and Geri to Japan for several years, where he was introduced to the game of rugby and picked for the All Japan Sevens annual rugby tournament.
Gerald and Geri lived life with a strong conviction in their faith, which helped lead them through their lives and challenges. They were involved in eucharistic ministries at both St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Toms River, and then St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley, where Gerald was also active in the Knights of Columbus. They initiated the Compassionate Friends Chapter on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and had served on the board of the Compassionate Friends Chapter in Ocean County, N.J.
Gerald was predeceased by his children, Edward Martin Chick and Donna Lynn Chick, with whom he is now reunited; a sister, Jacqueline Marie Botti and her husband, John; and a brother, Edward Chick. In addition to his loving wife, Geri, survivors include his twin brother, Francis H. Chick Jr. and his wife, Barbara, of Bricktown, N.J.; sister-in-law, Diane Chick, of Red Bank, N.J.; and nieces and nephews, Marybeth Kelley and her husband, Michael, Melanie Bock and her husband, Bob, Timothy Botti and his wife, Pat, William Chick and his wife, Gina, Craig Chick, Edward John Chick, Bryan Chick and his wife, Novelle, Anthony Chick, and Lisa Ham and her husband, Steve, as well as a foster son, Duran Bryant and his wife, Kelly, and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and godchildren.
As Gerald traveled through life with Geri, many friendships developed and some of those friendships took on the meaning of family. His compassion, guidance, and unwavering affection will forever be cherished by his devoted friends, Sue Elliott and her husband, Rick; Wanda Caffrey and her husband, Joe; Rebecca Crutchley and her husband, Barry; and Brittley Fitchett and her fiancé, Cole Tyson.
A service including military honors to celebrate Gerald’s life was held at Commonwealth Senior Living on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
