A local man who played 142 games in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs passed away at Health Sciences North Dec. 8.
Gerald “Gerry” James Foley was 89 years old. He is survived by his wife Rosemary (Cryderman) Foley, their four kids, seven grandkids and four great-grandkids.
His obituary said he “lived sportsmanship on the rink and off. As a player, coach, owner, or fan, he leaves a rich legacy of excellence.
“Gerry was a gifted builder, a caring nursing home provider and a man of strong will and character.
“He enjoyed spending time at his camp on Lake Wahnapitae and at his winter home in Florida. He will be lovingly remembered as a caring Poppa to his family and many friends.”
According to the Ice Hockey Wiki site, Foley was born in Ware, Massachusetts, but raised in Garson.
Foley played four games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1954-55, and then was a regular for the New York Rangers in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
After those seasons Foley went to the American Hockey League, and played for the Springfield Indians mostly from 1959 to 1967.
When the Indians were bought by the Los Angeles Kings in 1967, Foley went along. He played for the renamed Springfield Kings in 1967-68 and was called up for one last NHL game with Los Angeles on December 21, 1968 in a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
He retired at the end of that season.
In the NHL, Foley scored nine goals and 14 assists in 142 games.
A memorial mass for Foley was held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Garson Dec. 13.
