Gerald R. Hortie, age 85, passed away unexpectedly at home on September 17, 2024. Gerald was born in Holyoke, son of the late Aime and Clara (Pelletier) Hortie and was a graduate of Holyoke Trade School. He served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. Gerald was predeceased by his wife Jeanne P. (Paquette) Hortie in 2017. He is survived by two children: Elizabeth Hortie and her husband Justin Souders of Malden, MA and Todd Hortie of Holyoke; two grandchildren: Andrew and Evan Souders; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Delia (Patsy) Lajeunesse, and a brother, Robert Hortie. Gerald worked in a variety of roles in the paper industry in Holyoke. He was a skilled woodworker and “tinkerer” who always had a variety of projects going on at home. He was an avid bowler, playing competitively for many years. Above all else, though, he was a devout Catholic and family man. He cherished his family and could always be relied on to be there for them in any capacity. This included his many good friends whom he treated like family, always. The funeral will be held Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Burial will be held in Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the Funeral Home Saturday morning from 8:30am to 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Gerald to Shriners Hospitals for Children donate.lovetotherescue.org The Family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and visiting nurses at O’Connell Care at Home for their gracious care over the past many months.