Gerald “Gerry” Lionel McNamara passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on September 22, 1934, in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Lila (Cull) McNamara; his sister, Patricia; his brother, Harold; and his wife, Barbara Jeanne (Schreider) McNamara, to whom he was married for 45 years.

Gerry's proudest role was as the pillar of the McNamara family. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife of 17 years, Rosa (Greco) McNamara, his brother, Merv, and his five children– David (Monica), Bob (Kathy), Ted (Sharon), John (Gina) and Judy (Jeff) Brown. He was affectionately known as “Grampy” to 15 grandchildren– John David, Andrew, Katherine, Alix, Daniel, Jacob, Carolyn, Daniel, Abigail, Caterina, Emma, Keely, Christian, Jacob and Annabella. His legacy lives on with his six great-grandchildren– Benjamin, Jackson, Calvin, Lucas, Molly Mae and Marty. He was also a cherished uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews including Tim (Alana), Chris (Sandy), Erin, Kate, Luke and Liam.

Gerry made each family member feel loved and important through hugs that felt like protective armour and his unwavering confidence that they could achieve anything they set their minds to. Gerry always had a story to tell, and his family was game to listen. He imparted wisdom with honesty and purpose, inspiring his family through a life led with leadership and integrity. With Gerry’s passing, his family lost their biggest fan.

Not only did Gerry make an enduring mark on his family, he also left one on the game of hockey. His love for the sport developed early and led him to Toronto at the age of 17, where he featured as a goaltender for the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors. Gerry went on to play professionally across three decades, appearing in the AHL, CHL and EPHL. Vibrant and disciplined, his persistent spirit led him to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he made his NHL debut in 1961 and would go on to play a total of 7 NHL games.

Gerry’s dedication to the sport extended beyond his time on the ice. He rose through the ranks of the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming a professional scout in 1972 and paving the way for European players in the NHL when he discovered and signed future Hall of Famer Börje Salming. Generations later, Gerry’s revolutionary vision can be seen in the numerous European stars playing in the modern NHL.

Following nearly a decade of scouting, Gerry became General Manager of the Leafs in 1981, a position he held until 1988. During his tenure, he was known as a strong negotiator and a bold decision-maker who stood by his beliefs and morals.

Gerry’s family, friends and peers will always remember him with great admiration and respect. He navigated his personal and professional life with grace, intellect and humility. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and he possessed a quiet strength that instilled a strong sense of moral compassion. He led by example, showing what it meant to be kind, honest and unshakably true to oneself. Gerry McNamara had a long and fulfilling life, and his legacy lives on in the significant impact he had on all who knew and loved him.

Visitation for Gerry will be held at Turner & Porter – Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–9 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Clement Roman Catholic Church, 409 Markland Drive, Etobicoke.