Gerald V. Degnan

OXFORD – Gerald V. Degnan, 93, of Cole Drive, peacefully returned to his father on Monday, October 5, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Carol A. (Nishan) Degnan of North Oxford; six children, Colleen Rea and her husband, Robert, of Dudley, Michael Degnan and his wife, Emily, of Brewster, Brian Degnan and his wife, Suzanne, of Dennis, Daniel Degnan and his partner, Dendra Bodreau, of Oxford, Sean Degnan and his wife, Pamela, of Brewster, and Maureen Dupuis and her husband, David, of Westminster; fifteen grandchildren, Meghan, Patrick, Gillian, Sarah, Danielle, Evan, Tyler, Kayla, Spencer, Dalton, Haley, Paige, Cory, Timothy and Jessica; as well as fifteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Curry.

Gerry was born in Queens, NY, the son of the late Joseph Degnan. He spent his childhood in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1959. Gerry graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1951. He was a proud United States veteran, enlisting in the National Guard at age 15 and joining the U.S. Navy at 19, where he served during the Korean War.

Mr. Degnan was an engineer at New England Telephone Company for 35 years and retired in 1990. During his retirement, he worked as a funeral attendant at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home for more than 10 years. He enjoyed woodworking and electrical work and was an avid golfer, scoring 2 holes-in-one. He received the Key to the City of Worcester on his 90th birthday.

Gerry was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Worcester for over 60 years, serving 3 terms as president and earning the Massachusetts AOH Man of the Year award. He was also a passionate fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Irish music and dance, and a good pint of Guinness. He traveled to his adopted homeland ten times during his life.

Gerry's Roman Catholic faith was central to his life. He was a member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford and formerly of St. Ann’s Church in North Oxford. At St. Ann’s Church, he served as a lector, helped with the annual bazaar, and participated in variety shows with his church community.

Gerry's proudest achievement was his family. With his wife, Carol, whom he adored, he gave his six children an incredible childhood and a strong example. He coached his children in sports when they were young, planned wonderful vacations, and took pride in all their achievements. He was happiest with his family and will be remembered as a kind, gentle soul and a devoted father and grandfather.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at St. Roch’s Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, or to St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.