Martin J. Gerra, Jr.

Martin J. Gerra Jr, 97, passed away peacefully in the company of his son and daughter at his home in Kensington, MD.

Survived by his two children, Ellen Gerra (Conner) and Martin J. Gerra lll and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martin (Marty) was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Anita Little Gerra; his twin sister, Margaret L. Gerra (Bruno) and older brother, Ralph A. Gerra.

Born in Brooklyn, NY of Italian-American parents, Martin was a graduate of the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University and earned his MA Degree in Economics from Catholic University in Washington, DC. Except for a dissertation, he completed all academic requirements for a doctorate in economics from the University of Maryland. He was awarded a Johnston Fellowship in Political Economy, Johns Hopkins University and a Social Science Research Council Fellow.

Starting his career as an economist with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he left Federal Service in the early 1960’s to begin a 25 year career with International Business Machines (IBM). He held various managerial positions in the IBM Federal Systems Division, rising to Manager of IBM’s International Economics Division where he advised and coordinated the work of IBM economists in 19 countries until he retired.

One of Martin’s proud accomplishments was serving on the IBM Faculty Loan Program as a Special Assistant to the President of Gallaudet University in Washington DC where he responsible for the planning, development, implementation and financing of the National Presentation Center on Deafness.

Upon retirement from IBM, Martin became an Economic Consultant. He was a frequent writer and speaker on the world economy and has been listed in Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who in Finance and Industry among others.

Martin proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War ll and was honorably discharged in 1946. He continued serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve until honorably discharged in 1967.

An avid tennis player, Martin earned numerous amateur awards. He played his final match on his 90th Birthday.

Visitation will be at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.  Interment will be on July 9 at 1:45 pm at the Crownsville Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services, https://www.crs.org ; or to Holy Redeemer Church, Kensington MD, https://www.hrkensington.org