Colleagues,
As you may already be aware, we very recently felt the loss of an incredible leader and colleague in Dr. Gerald L. Paist, who passed away Friday evening. Dr. Paist served as superintendent of Pathfinder Tech from shortly after the school opened in 1973 until 2021.
Gerry was a giant in vocational technical education in the Commonwealth. As a vocational leader, he helped build our statewide system into one that is the envy of the nation. Gerry was a staunch supporter of MAVA. He attended every event and served on innumerable committees. He was MAVA President from 1978-1979.
Gerry was a mentor for so many, including me, for he was a caring individual and a friend of us all. Many remember that Gerry conducted “Sunday School” and if you needed advice/guidance you knew he was working at Pathfinder every Sunday and he was available to talk to you.
Gerry had many wonderful attributes, but his wisdom and guidance were paramount. His dry but witty humor was one of the many qualities that made him so memorable. Dr. Paist was also deeply involved in many local, state, and national organizations, and his impact spread far beyond Pathfinder, MAVA, and M.A.S.S. He was dedicated to NCLA and served many years on the NCLA Board. He was a Board Member Emeritus.
I was fortunate to observe his leadership in any and all settings. To us, Gerry Paist was a legend in his own time. It was a real gift to be able to witness him in action. He made a mark on everything he touched. He will be sorely missed.
Gerry was both a colleague and a friend. The entire voc-tech community in Massachusetts shares his loss but are so very grateful that he was such a great leader of Chapter 74 vocational technical & agricultural education.
We offer our sincere condolences.
We are aware of the following information:
Dr. Gerald LaVerne Paist
1939 – 2025
Burial will be private at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, PA.
The family would like to thank Country Meadows Mechanicsburg and UPMC Harrisburg for the excellent care given to Gerry. Also, the family would like to express their gratitude to Greg Salois, Eric Duda, Jim Jyz, Dan Whaley, Scott Moynihan, Mark Moynihan and Tim Moriarty for their ongoing support and friendship.
Memorial donations can be sent to: Pathfinder Vocational Technical High School, 240 Sykes Street, Palmer, MA 01069.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira