Geraldine M. Contursi, 78, a longtime Hyde Park resident, died on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.

Born on March 16, 1948, in Harriman, NY, she was the daughter of Wilfred and Bertha Hayden Bechard. As a teenager, Gerry was a resident of the Children's Home in Poughkeepsie, and a graduate of F.D. Roosevelt High School and Dutchess Community College.

Gerry loved to knit and read, finding comfort and creativity in both. She proudly served her community, and for many years worked for Abilities First as a Special Education Teacher's Assistant, where her patience, kindness, and steady presence made a lasting impact on countless children and families.

On May 10, 1970, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Poughkeepsie, she married Joseph A. Contursi, who survives at home.

In addition to her husband, Gerry is survived by her son, Justin T. Contursi and his wife, Christine, of Florida, NY; her grandchildren, Aiden, Julia, and Brandon Contursi; her siblings, Patrick Bechard, and Debbie Bechard Davidson; several nieces and nephews; her brother in-law, Thomas Contursi; and her extended family of David and Angela Vann, Raymond and Carrie Vann, David and Marie Vann, and Angela and Christian Madjor.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Amy Mary Contursi in 2010; her parents, Wilfred and Bertha Bechard; her in-laws; Mary & Tom Contursi, her siblings, Tom Bechard, Bobby Bechard, and Wilfred Bechard; and her extended family Margaret Calista.

Gerry's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the ICU at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, and to Fr. Bill Scafidi, for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Richard LaMorte at 10 AM, Friday, Sept. 4th at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 95 Mill St, Poughkeepsie.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.

Gerry's family respectfully requests memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 (www.diabetes.org).

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Gerry's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.