Navy Veteran, Natick Band Director Gerald "Jerry" Ash, 69 Has Died

He former band director of the Natick Public Schools for 29 years.

Born and raised in Watertown, he was a 1962 graduate of Watertown High School. 

Ash enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served our country proudly during the Vietnam War.

After his service, he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1972 from the University of North Texas and toured with many great stars like Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Steve Lawrence, Mel Torme, Natalie Cole, Sammy Davis, Jr., Henry Mancini, Ray Charles & Elvis Presley.

He  worked at the Coolidge Junior High for two years, Wilson Junior High for four years and was the Symphonic Band Director at Natick High School for twenty-three years. 

He was awarded the Herve B. Lemaire Award for Excellence in Education in 2009 by Natick High School. 

he enjoyed music, photography and ham radio. His call sign was N1/DGC.

He was the devoted husband of 20 years to Stella M. (McMahon) Ash. Stepfather of Jeanne L. (Doherty) O’Hearn & her husband Brian of Beverly & Dianne (Doherty) Fasano & her husband Justin of Lancaster. Grandfather of Sephra & Kyra Fasano. Brother of Marilyn Micklay of Mashpee. Also survived by two nieces & one nephew.

His funeral will be held from John Everett & Sons, 4 Park St., at Natick Common Wednesday, Nov.20 at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Linus Church, 119 Hartford St., Natick at 11 a.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick with Military Honors.

Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at John Everett & Sons Funeral Home in Natick.

Memorial donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Gerald E. Ash Scholarship Fund c/o Natick High School, 15 West St., Natick, MA 01760.