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Gerald Joseph Fay M.D.
March 18, 1950 — September 24, 2025
Gerald J Fay MD was born in Providence RI on March 18th, 1950. When he was a year old his father died from complications of surgery. As a result, from early childhood, he showed a strong interest in a medical career as a means to help others stay healthy with a strong desire to treat and diagnose the sick. Becoming a physician was natural. After graduating from La Salle Academy in Providence RI, he enrolled at Providence College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1971. He attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry from 1971-1975. On completing medical school, he remained in Rochester, NY to finish his Internal Medicine residency at Strong Memorial Hospital. While there he was fortunate to meet his beloved future wife, Sheila, who was in her surgical residency.
In 1980 the Fays moved to the Pacific Northwest to start their medical practices and a family. Shortly after moving to Olympia, they were blessed with three wonderful daughters who were the light of his life. Dr. Fay practiced in Olympia as an independent primary care Internist for 40 years until his retirement. His dedication to his patients was legendary and he was truly the doctor’s doctor. He was very devoted to his patients and often made house calls. He served on several committees at Providence St Peter Hospital. He enjoyed the challenge and excelled in clinical diagnosis and remained a strong advocate for his patients. He developed, in his spare time, clinical software to help with the management of patient care under the name of Phase V Software. In 2020, he retired and his absence from the medical community was strongly felt. His loyal and loving patients made him feel he had truly impacted their lives over the years. As a devoted and loving husband and father, he loved spending time with family, travelling both overseas and hiking in the beautiful Pacific NW mountains as well as skiing, boating and cycling. He also participated in and managed a local book club. As his family was very involved in music, he contributed his lyric baritone to the Masterworks Chorale for four years. He particularly enjoyed commuting to his office on his road bike for over 10 years.
Dr. Fay was the son of the late John W Fay and Catherine M Fay. He was the brother of the late John (Jack) Fay of Warwick, RI. He is survived by his loving wife Sheila, their three daughters, Rachel of Ballard, WA, Rebecca Fay Walsh of Pound Ridge, NY, Jacqueline of Mizpeh Ramon, Israel, and two grandsons Finn Thomas Walsh of Pound Ridge, NY., and Benjamin Or Sparks of Mizpeh Ramon, Israel.
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Events
Past Services
Burial Service followed by Reception
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Starts at 1:00 pm
Dr. Fay will be laid to rest at Masonic Memorial Park in Tumwater WA on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. The graveside service will start at 1pm. There will be light refreshments and time for sharing and fellowship at the reception immediately following the burial. The reception will be held at South Sound Manor, immediately adjacent to the cemetery. The address for both is 455 North St SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. Sheila, Oscar and I are. so very sad at Gerry's passing. We treasure the recent dinner we shared with the 2 of you and saw Gerry laughing and having a good time. We send our deepest condolences to you and the girls and we will miss Gerry very much as will his family and many colleagues and friends. He was a very special person who contributed in many ways to people's lives and the community. All our love, Barb and Oscar
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