Gerard J. Hevern, M.D.

On Sunday, April 14, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, Dr. Gerard J. Hevern, 73, known affectionately as Jerry, peacefully entered eternal rest at his home in New Hampshire. A native of New York City, he was the second son born to the late Vincent W. Hevern, Sr. and Catherine (Martin) Hevern on the first day of summer, June 21, 1950. 

Throughout his life, Jerry embraced a simple yet profound motto: "Do common things uncommonly well." This guiding principle shaped his journey in athletics, academics, his professional career, and his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

His athletic prowess was evident during his time at St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn, NY, where he excelled in football, track and field, and rugby, graduating in 1968. Continuing his success at Harvard University, Jerry earned the title of All-Ivy Guard before graduating in 1972. His achievements on and off the field led to his induction into the St. Francis Prep Hall of Fame in 2011, a testament to his lifelong commitment to following the Path of St. Francis of Assisi in his career as a family physician.

After completing his medical studies at the SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine in 1976, Jerry embarked on a journey of compassionate care. He established his practice as a family physician in Suncook, NH, serving the community for over four decades. Throughout his career, he contributed tirelessly to various committees and volunteer boards at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, where he served as the Medical Director of the Riverway Center for Recovery for twenty years. Jerry's advocacy for humane pain treatment and expertise in Substance Abuse Disorders earned him recognition as the Family Physician of the Year by both the New Hampshire Academy of Family Physicians in 2016 and the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2018.

Jerry's legacy extended beyond his professional achievements. He embodied the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, radiating compassion, kindness, and love.

Jerry's commitment to his family was evident through his 38-year marriage to Donna. They cherished every moment together, whether on family vacations or surrounded by loved ones at their lake home. Their gatherings were filled with laughter, boat rides, s'mores, and campfires, crafting unforgettable memories that would be treasured for a lifetime.

As he rests in eternal peace, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, dedication, and love that will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Jerry is predeceased by his father Vincent W. Hevern, Sr. and mother Catherine (Martin) Hevern. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna (Germana) Hevern, and his elder brother, Fr. Vincent W. Hevern, Jr., S.J. His children and grandchildren: Erin McLaughlin and her husband, Matthew, of Bow, NH, along with their daughters, Gwyneth and Juliette; Shannon Krause and her husband, Eli, also of Bow, and their sons, Cooper and Landen; as well as his son Timothy Clayton and his wife, Kate Hagar, of Morristown, VT, with their children, Wyatt and Shyla. He treasured the bonds shared with his many cousins, nieces, and nephews, along with his childhood companions who became lifelong friends; Paul Iacullo, Eddie Jenkins, Michael Grappone, and Patrick Diamond.

In the end, Jerry's journey was made more comfortable by the compassionate care provided by the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association of Meredith and Bristol, NH, for which his family expresses deep gratitude.

His lasting hope was for each person he connected with to experience every day some joy, peace, and kindness. 

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, Manchester, will be Tuesday, April 23^rd from 3 to 7 pm.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Catherine Church on Wednesday at 10:30 am.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, he and his family would ask that you contribute to either of these charities: New Hampshire Food Bank, a Program of Catholic Charities NH,  700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH 03109 (https://nhfoodbank.org) OR Lakes Region Visting Nurses Association 186 Waukewan Street, Meredith, NH 03253 (https://www.lrvna.org)

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.