Our dear friend Jud Gale passed away on November 18, 2020. He was 93 and 3/4 year old. Jud  lived everyday to the fullest and was an inspiration to all of we who were blessed to know him. He left behind his beautiful blended family of Gales and Gunns, along with a community of loving friends. Jud had the most remarkable ability to change and grow with the times and always took interest in other people’s stories. He was beloved for his compassion, sense of humor and fun, his ability to council wisely, and kind and generous nature.

Jud’s daughter Emily Gale, who, along with his wife Kari, were with him by his side at his passing.  Emily shared his obituary this morning and wrote the following, “Despite outliving most of the mates of his youth, hundreds of people wanted to express how much he meant to them at his memorial service and after, including myself. It was a great gift to be his daughter.” Jud’s memorial service was held virtually at the Annisquam Village Church.

Justin Edgerton Gale
January 8, 1927 – November 18, 2020

Justin Edgerton “Jud” Gale, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Annisquam, a

neighborhood of Gloucester, MA on Wednesday November 18, 2020. He was

surrounded by love. His passing leaves a giant hole in the hearts of his devoted wife,

Kari (nee Scott) Gunn Gale; his children Henry and wife Susan, his son Peter, his son

Benjamin and wife Kristina, and his daughter Emily. Kari and Emily were at his side

for the past many weeks. Jud also leaves 8 grandchildren (Jessica, Elizabeth,

Bennett, Bill, Sarah, Katrina, Sam, and Juliana); 7 great grandchildren (Isobel, Avery,

Aaron, Emma, Aidin, Riley, and Clara); his brother James and wife Virginia; his brother in

law Edward Reynolds; and Kari’s family Catherine Gunn, MaryHelen Gunn, Matthew

Laurence, and Sophie Laurence. He was predeceased in June 2009 by his first wife of 59

years, Betsy (nee Miriam Elizabeth Peabody) and later by his sister Joan Gale Reynolds.

Jud was born in 1927 in Boston MA, the eldest of 3 children. After graduating from

Phillips Academy Andover, he was enrolled at Tufts University for 2 years in the

Naval ROTC. As WWII ended, he began 2 years at Harvard University, where he was

the stroke for the National Championship Crew team (inducted into the Harvard

Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1973). He was then named the Harvard Fellow

at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University, and set sail for England. It was on this

voyage that he met his beloved wife Betsy.

 

Jud spent 37 successful years working for Proctor and Gamble. He raised his family

in Terrace Park, OH and gave of himself and his time to support St. Thomas Church

and its charitable works and the Terrace Park community. Retiring at age 60, he

went on to a second career supporting HUD based programs in subsidized housing

and the people who lived within. He joined and took leadership positions in

organizations everywhere he lived, and was fully committed to community activities.

Jud was a keen sportsman, successfully participating in many sports throughout his

school and University days. Tennis and sailing were lifelong pursuits which he only

reluctantly gave up at 90. He treasured the early retirement years sailing the

Caribbean on Bynam’s Beauty, a 51ft sloop, with his wife, Betsy.

 

Later, he retired to Naples, FL and his beloved ancestral home in Annisquam, MA

where he gave of his devoted his time, energy, and life lessons to family and friends.

Many a novice sailor delights in stories of his expert tutelage! Jud also charmed his

friends and competitors at the bridge table.

 

Jud was blessed with a second marriage to his beloved Kari in 2011. They enjoyed

many active years together, sharing adventures in Hawaii, Vancouver, London, Italy,

and a favorite cruise in the Baltic. He enthusiastically supported the Annisquam

Village Church, the Annisquam Yacht Club, the Annisquam Library, and the Naples

Bath and Tennis Academy.

 

He filled his life with joy, service, generosity and love. For these and countless other

gifts of his life, his family will be eternally grateful.

 

A celebratory tribute to Jud was held during the Annisquam Village Church Service on

November 22nd. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

 

Memorial contributions in honor of Justin E. Gale may be made to:

The Annisquam Village Church
820 Washington Street
Gloucester, MA 01930

Giving

Or to:

Care Dimensions
75 Sylvan Street, B-102
Danvers, MA 01923
http://www.Giving.caredimensions.org