I just saw this online. I was only thinking about the Roches recently because I was in NYC in August. I often thought about Gerry and Marie and am now very sad to learn the have both passed. It's Melanie Fitzgerald. I'm the little Irish kid from years ago. I now live in Ohio. Really saddened to hear of Gerrys death. I thought he was a terrific guy and am only sorry I didn't meet him as an adult .

From my very first weeks at H&S, Gerry was an amazing and energetic mentor. When he and Ted Jadick set me up for my first CEO shootout, win, and wildly successful search in 1996, Gerry was there to coach and advise. I never made a visit to the NYC office without benefiting from a quick visit with “Mr. Executive Search”. After completing over 100 CEO placements myself, I realized just how much Gerry had so graciously shared with me, and I always tried to be such a mentor myself (but never as successfully as Gerry!). He leaves a remarkable and enduring legacy not just to those of us lucky enough to be his H&S partners, but to our entire profession, and to an untold number of our great clients in the marketplace!

On behalf of the entire executive search profession, we are sorry to have lost one of our very best. Gerry was an icon in our profession who inspired and was looked up to by so many. In recognition of his many accomplishments as a Heidrick & Struggles partner and executive search consultant, he was the 1995 recipient of AESC's Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his truly remarkable impact both on the profession and the well-being of companies worldwide.

AESC honors his 50 year commitment to excellence. He will be greatly missed and we know his legacy will live on for generations to come. We extend our warmest condolences to his family and friends.

Warmly,
Karen Greenbaum
AESC President and CEO

So sorry to hear about your Father. I worked at Heidrick & Struggles from 1980 - 1984 in the Chicago office. I remember your Father very well because even though he was very high up in the company, he came around to eveyone's desk and said hello, shook our hand, and said thank you for your service. That is the kind of person he was. Not many executives would do that. He was a great man.

Our deepest sympathy, but with confidence that we will see Gerry again in a world without pain or suffering. His contributions to business were legendary, but what I thought made him so special was his incredible heart! He truly loved people had an incredible gift for connecting with so many. I will always cherish his friendship and remember his quick wit, twinkling eyes and warm embrace with a smile. He and your mom were extended family to us and he was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. You were truly his pride and joy. Wishing you God’s richest blessings as you carry his legacy forward. I will always be grateful for his influence in our lives. With much affection, Jane Stevenson and family

Gerry, you were an inspiration and role model for me. Your confidence in me when you placed me at Directv was much appreciated. You were a legend in the search business but that was a very small part of who you were as a person. You epitomized integrity and caring. You lived your values. I know you will now be at peace with your be,over Marie. Your remarks at a college graduation inspired me to see your values as mine. Rest in peace. Mike White