NEWPORT — After eight years of rolling 80 miles a day through Newport, Unity, Lempster, Acworth, Washington and Goshen, Meals-on-Wheels driver Gerry Lynch has decided to retire.
Gerry suffered a heart attack in November and had to undergo a double bypass. He has been fighting to get back to the job and the people he has grown to love over the years, but his body is telling him it is time to slow down.
Gerry had the longest route in the entire organization. Although often in pain, Gerry delivered his meals every day without one complaint.
It did not matter if it was raining, snowing or mud season, Gerry always found a way to deliver meals to people who became his friends. This included walking in on mile-long or longer driveways that had not been plowed yet.
Gerry even gained a few four-legged friends along the way as well. His deliveries included a meal for the participant, a wellness check on the participant and a treat and wellness check on his furry friends as well.
Gerry stated that he felt that “Meals-on-Wheels was such a wonderful opportunity to experience life in such a unique way.”
Gerry’s compassion and dedication to the program, and those he served will be hard to replace.
Although Gerry’s route has come to a screeching halt for him, our appreciation and admiration for his service will soar.
Thank you Gerry, you will be missed, but we will still expect a visit a time or two from you. We wish you great success as you continue your recovery.
(This tribute to Gerry Lynch first appeared in the March publication produced by the Newport Senior Center.)
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