Gerard T. Wholey

Gerard T. Wholey, beloved husband of the late Leah M. Oakley Wholey, died Wednesday morning, September 21, at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. Born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 15, 1923, he was the son of Arthur L. and Nina E. Shultas Wholey. Gerry grew up in New Britain and graduated from New Britain High School. Upon graduating, he enrolled at Niagara University, but his studies there were interrupted by military service in World War II. During the war, Gerry served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Iceland, Scotland, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, attaining the rank of Sergeant. After the war, he returned to Niagara and graduated with a degree in economics. He then briefly worked as an agent for the John Hancock Life Insurance Company before beginning a long and satisfying career with the Connecticut State Insurance Department. He retired from state service in 1981 as Director of Licenses and Claims. In his time with the Department, Gerry became one of the nation's leading figures in insurance regulation. He took special pleasure and pride in working with the state legislature, where he was an invaluable help in advising legislators on insurance matters and drafting important new laws for the legislature's consideration. He was also responsible for establishing the Real Estate Division of the Insurance Department as a new department of state government. In addition to all this, Gerry served as an auxiliary state trooper for several years and for twenty years as an adjunct instructor in real estate principles and practices for the University of Connecticut. As a teacher, Gerry helped thousands of students around the state attain their real estate licenses. Many of his students maintained that Gerry was the best teacher they ever had. In his work, Gerry was close to many people of power and influence in business and politics, but he was just plain "Gerry" to all in life, including his buddies in the Maintenance Department at the State Office Building where he worked. His friendships among those fellows were special to him. Surviving Gerry are his five children Maryellen K. Wholey Halibozek and her husband Stanley of West Hartford, Brien J. Wholey and his wife Julia of Canton, Timothy G. Wholey of Boston, Kevin A. Wholey and his wife Joanne of Bloomfield, and Neal T. Wholey and his wife Karen of Colchester. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Mark Halibozek, Nina Wholey and Eryn Wholey. Besides his wife, Gerry was predeceased by his brother Arthur. Funeral services will be Saturday beginning with visitation from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at the Church of St. Peter Claver 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in the church. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Gerard T. Wholey

October 15, 1923 - September 21, 2011