Rev. Father Gerald Thomas Northrup

Biography

It is with great sadness that that the Diocese of Fresno announces the death of Rev. Gerald T. Northrup on January 31, 2010 at the Nazareth House.   A late vocation, "Father Jerry" was ordained May 26, 2001 by Bishop John T. Steinbock for the diocese of Fresno. He was well into his sixties when he began his studies at Sacred Heart Seminary in Wisconsin. He served in Visalia, then in Eastern Madera County as the Pastor of Our Lady of the Sierra parish in Oakhurst, North Fork and Bass Lake, until retiring due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

 
A native of Fresno where he grew up and attended schools before transferring to Sierra High School in the foothills, graduating with the Class of 1952.  He served in the US Navy and naval reserve.  He and his late brother James were partners in Tent City Surplus for 40 years, operating stores in Fresno, Porterville, and Bakersfield.  He was a devoted member of the Serra Club and the Third Order of St. Francis for many years.  Before he entered the seminary, he was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Melba Gail Northrup. 

 
He is survived by extended family, including his sister-in-law Beth Northrup McCarver, his niece Julie Williams and her sons Derek and Dylan, all of Morro Bay, cousins Harriett Andris and Margaret Castelazo, of Fresno, Carolyn Willhoit of Lake Almanor, Claudia Ladd of Orange County, and their spouses, and by his many friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the sisters and staff at the Nazareth House, Dr. Patrick A. Golden, and the caring parishioners and friends who provided comfort and support to Father Jerry in his long and painful final illness. He loved the mountains, the people there, and his priesthood, and cherished his dream assignment.

May his memory be blessed

A Rosary will be Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 7 PM in the Nazareth House Chapel of Fresno, 2121 North First Street, Fresno.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of The Sierra Church in Oakhurst, located at 40180 Indian Springs Road.  Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery in Fresno on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 3 PM.

Remembrances may be made to The Nazareth House, 2121 North First Street, Fresno, Ca.  93703 or  St. Anthony Retreat Center in Three Rivers, P.O. Box 249, Three Rivers, Ca.  93271-0249