We are sad to announce the passing of Gerald Glass Naylor, of Ann Arbor, MI. He died in his home at age 81 on Friday November 3, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer.
Gerry was born on March 22, 1942, in Hartford, CT and grew up in Wethersfield, CT.
He attended boarding school at Williston Northampton, then Brown University. He went on to dental school at Georgetown University. Soon after graduation he joined the public health service during the Vietnam War, serving merchant marines in both Cincinnati, Ohio and Staten Island, New York. He then went on to complete his dental training in periodontics at University of Michigan. After graduation, he opened his dental practice in Ann Arbor, serving the community for 40 years until he retired in 2011.
Gerry was a true intellectual, who surrounded himself with books and loved lively discussions on politics, history and economics. According to his older brother Jim, “Gerry knew a lot about every topic,” and often outdebated his older brother (despite having an almost identical education). Gerry particularly loved American history, has read countless historical biographies, and loved talking about the Civil War.
Gerry was also passionate about gardening. Gerry spent a lot of time researching plants and caring for his extensive garden that included a wide variety of Orchid species. He enjoyed hosting garden parties with his friends. He was president of the Ann Arbor Dean Fund, where he oversaw the selection and plantings of trees throughout Ann Arbor.
He was also an avid supporter of the arts, and member of the University Musical Society. He regularly attended many musical and dance performances in Ann Arbor. He was also an activist for GLBTQ and feminist rights in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
He is survived by his dear friend and partner William (Bill) Garvey, who he met in 1974 and who served as his dental office manager for over 30 years. He is also survived by his brother James E. (Danielle) Naylor ’57, sister Susan Naylor (George) Krouse, and 5 nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a private memorial service in Ann Arbor at a later date.