Obituary: Gerry DeClute lived a life rooted in the Beach and built on community

By SUSAN LEGGE

Gerald (Gerry) DeClute, a lifelong Beach resident and East Toronto real estate broker for 43 years, passed away last month at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of deep community ties, kindness, and dedication to those around him.

Born and raised in the heart of the Beach, Gerry’s life was a testament to hard work, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the people and neighbourhood he called home.

Gerry’s family has long-standing ties to the Beach. After his father passed away, six-year-old Gerry moved with his mother to his grandparents’ variety store at Queen Street East and Kingston Road, where they had lived for many years.

“He grew up here, and loved the east and the city,” said his wife, Dorothy DeClute.

Gerry attended Norway Public School and Danforth Technical Institute. At 14, he worked at a gas station at Fallingbrook and Kingston roads, driving tow trucks and fueling his passion for racing and building stock cars with his brother Warren.

Gerry’s career in real estate was shaped early on by helping his mother with her property ventures. Alongside his brother, they supported her by doing home maintenance and repairs in a rooming house in the Beach that she took over when she became a widow, gaining firsthand experience in the industry.

Inspired by his mother’s enterprising spirit in property management, Gerry earned his real estate license in 1973, said his daughter Rochelle DeClute.

His real estate career began at several Beach-area brokerages, including Gregory Real Estate and Family Trust, before he joined Re/Max Hallmark in the late 1990s. In 2011, his son Rick and Rochelle founded DeClute Real Estate, now operating under the Union Realty Brokerage banner.

Gerry’s approach to real estate was shaped by his genuine care for people, said Dorothy. He was known for his honesty, often advising clients against selling if it wasn’t in their best interest.

“‘No deal is a good deal if the client isn’t happy,’ he would say,” said Dorothy, and it was a philosophy that endeared him to both clients and colleagues.

Gerry’s generosity wasn’t confined to his work. His home was a revolving door of kindness, where family, friends, and even strangers found a place at the table — especially during the holidays, said Rick. You never knew who would be there for Christmas dinner, his family fondly recalls.

He often opened his home to those who needed a place to stay, including hosting visiting rugby players, and he always ensured no one felt left out.

An avid sportsman, Gerry played and coached hockey and later rugby, forming the Toronto Area Rugby Touring Sides (TARTS) with his friends. His passion for the game extended to coaching local teams and sponsoring youth sports in the area. Whether it was baseball, hockey, or rugby, Gerry was a steadfast supporter of local athletics.

Coaching hockey held a special significance for Gerry, though continuing with it wasn’t always easy after the death of his son, Randy.

“We had a brother who passed away when he was six, and our dad had been coaching him in hockey and was quite involved,” said Rochelle.

Gerry generously supported Beaches minor league sports teams, schools, Community Centre 55, the Beaches Lions Club, the Kinsman Club, and Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) where he was born and passed away.

He was also a mentor to many young people in the community, both professionally and personally.

Gerry also cherished driving the Easter Bunny in his vintage T-Bird during the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade, a long-standing tradition proudly supported by DeClute Real Estate for decades.

His mentorship extended to many in the real estate industry, where he emphasized listening and building relationships over making sales.

“The one thing that really struck me when I was talking to (local realtor) Brent Crawford,” said Dorothy. “He said ‘Gerry realized I was just a kid and needed to take me under his wing.’”

Despite his many accomplishments, Gerry’s proudest role was that of a family man. Married to Dorothy for 37 years, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and animal lover.

Whether it was teaching his grandchildren to dive-bomb in the pool, sharing fried pickles in Florida, or helping with school events and sports, Gerry’s presence was felt in countless special moments.

In his later years, Gerry faced health challenges, including Parkinson’s, but he remained positive to the very end, said Dorothy.

“If you asked how he was right up to his last week of life, he’d say, ‘I’m great, I’m perfect, how are you?’” she said.

Gerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy; his four children, Rochelle DeClute (Patrick Devine), Rick DeClute (Kelly Cook), Alicia Thurston (Mike Holownych), and Ford Thurston (Sarah Stemmler); 11 grandchildren: Ryan, Tyler, Janine, Patrick, Keisha, Keighen, Makaela, Emalee, Taylor, Lex, and Olivia; and four great-grandchildren: Finn, Leo, Jack, and Noah.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, June Haynes and Joan Sutton; his brother-in-law, Don George; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry was predeceased by his son, Randy; his brother, Warren DeClute; his sister, Dorthea DeClute; and his brothers-in-law, Milton Fice, Dave Haynes, and Bob Sutton.

A celebration of Gerry’s life was held on Dec. 5 at the Balmy Beach Club, a place close to his heart and within walking distance of nearly every home he lived in.

The family would like to thank the PSWs and caregivers at Providence Villa Adult Day program where Gerry attended for the past 20 months. In honour of Gerry’s life, they ask that you share a random act of kindness or a donation in Gerry’s name to Providence Villa Adult Day Program by visiting http://bit.ly/3CYPXaL.