ADAPT Community Network, the Board of Directors, and everyone in the ADAPT community mourn the passing of Gary Geresi, who served as the President of ADAPT’s Board of Directors for many years.
“Gary was a real champion for people with disabilities,” says Edward R. Matthews, CEO of ADAPT Community Network. “He and his wife Anita have worked tirelessly to help children and families with disabilities. Gary brought a parent’s dedication and passion to our board, which helped ADAPT in significant ways for many years. ADAPT has lost a great friend.”
Gary’s relationship with ADAPT began over four decades ago, after they adopted their son Michael and discovered he had special needs. Upon learning that there was very little help for children with disabilities, Gary and his wife sprang into action, fighting the system, a battle that would change not only their son’s life but the lives of thousands of children and adults with disabilities throughout New York City.
ADAPT benefited immensely from his leadership on and off the board with the development of several recreation programs and events for the people supported by ADAPT. Gary brought his financial expertise to ADAPT in his capacity as a longtime member of the Board of Directors, serving as its Treasurer and most recently as the President of the board. Gary once said that if helping his son also helped other families, that was the ultimate reward and provided him with the motivation to keep working on behalf of children and families with disabilities for years to come.
ADAPT sends their deepest condolences to Anita and the entire Geresi family.
