Bristol Community College alum, animal control officer, firefighter, dies suddenly

Communities across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts are mourning a sudden loss.

29-year-old Gregory Gerjets of Bristol, Rhode Island, passed away suddenly on Monday.

Gerjets was a Firefighter in Bristol, RI for 11 years. He was also an Animal Control Officer in Middletown for the past 5 years.

Greg attended Bristol Community College and Rhode Island College where he studied Criminal Justice.

According to an obituary, Gerjets “was a fun loving and easy-going young man who loved to make everyone laugh. He loved the outdoors, especially kayaking, fishing, and gardening. In his spare time, he loved to play the piano and drums, cook, as well as play golf with his buddies.”

Potter League for Animals issued a statement on social media.

“All of us at the Potter League deeply mourn the loss of Greg Gerjets, a compassionate soul from Middletown Animal Control who dedicated himself to the welfare of our beloved pets. Our hearts go out to Greg’s family and friends during this time of sorrow. May he rest in peace knowing the difference he made.”

A cause of death was not released.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday September 4, 2023, from 4-7 pm in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road in Portsmouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday September 5, 2023, at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Church 330 Wood Street in Bristol. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Greg’s memory may be made to Bristol Fire Department Benevolent Association Charitable Trust, 4 Annawamscutt Drive Bristol, RI 02809, the Bristol Animal Shelter, 10 Minturn Farm Road, Bristol, RI 02809 or the Potter League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.