Obituary of Dr. Gerard Joseph Dalcourt

Dr. Gerard Joseph Dalcourt died on Feb. 25, 2012, at Newton Medical Center in Newton, N.J. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. A private burial ceremony will be held later in Lancaster, Pa. Dr. Dalcourt taught philosophy for 36 years at Seton Hall University, from where he retired in 1998. He had previously taught philosophy and library science for five years at Villanova University. Dr. Dalcourt, a Korean War veteran, earned his B.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Montreal and M.S. in library science from the University of Southern California. He published three books, most notably, "The Methods of Ethics;" a couple of dozen journal and encyclopedia articles, and numerous book reviews. He was also an active member of various professional associations, such as the American Catholic Philosophical Association. Gerard participated in community activities, including certifying Boy Scouts for merit badges and teaching adults to read. Gerard loved animals and did what he could to promote their preservation and well-being. In his retirement, Gerard was an avid bird watcher. Born in St. Albans, Vt., in 1927, Gerard left the state when he pursued a college and graduate education. He first settled down in the Philadelphia area, where he met his wife, Catherine. In 1962, they moved to Maplewood, N.J., where they lived until Catherine's passing in 2009. Shortly after Catherine's death, Gerard moved to the Bristol Glen retirement community in Newton, N.J. Gerard was predeceased by Catherine Mary Dalcourt, his wife of 49 years. He is survived by his two beloved sons, Jim and his wife, Diane, and their children, Jamie and Justin, of Sparta, N.J., and Al and his wife, Kathy. and their children, Tori, Paige, and Rick, of Plainsboro, N.J. Due to the Lenten season, please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the contributor's favorite charity. Arrangements are by the Preston Funeral Home, South Orange, N.J.