Gerald Edward "Zeke" Toner, 82, passed away on April 5, 2014, in Stuart, Florida

A celebration of his life and an exhibition of his art will be held at the Hutchinson House West clubhouse, 1550 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, Florida, at 5 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2014.

Gerald was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Margaret Toner on August 11, 1931. He attended Northeast Catholic High School and holds a BA from Niagara University and an MFA from Catholic University. He married Bernadette Donnelly on March 15, 1967, in Philadelphia.

A talented and versatile artist, Gerald specialized in wood sculpture, but worked with other media including pencil, oils, and acrylics. He was a passionate art teacher, beginning his career at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia and then moving to the Pennsauken School District in New Jersey, where he worked for 25 years. He supervised a range of extracurricular activities throughout his teaching career, serving as yearbook advisor, senior class advisor, and the director of theatrical productions.

After Gerald retired from teaching in 1994, he and Bernadette moved to Topsail Island in North Carolina, and later to Stuart, Florida.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret, and his brother, Rev. Joseph J. Toner.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadette, and his daughters, Bernadette (husband Michael Collins) and Jennifer (husband Jack Pope).

Memorial donations may be sent to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://www.pancan.org/section_donate/donate_now.php#), Treasure Coast Hospice (https://www.tchospice.org/give-online), or Art-Reach (https://art-reach.org/support/form/).