Name: Gerald P. Tucker Jr. (Jerry)
How long have you lived in Marblehead? Born and raised here in Marblehead, so the short answer is 60 years
Profession: Retired after spending 32 years at a global investment firm in Boston
Elected and appointed positions held: I am a member of the current Cemetery Commission after being appointed in October 2024. Prior to that, I was a Recreation and Parks commissioner for nine years.
1. In light of recent tensions between commissioners and cemetery leadership, how would you work to clarify and improve the working relationship between the Cemetery Commission and the cemetery superintendent to ensure effective governance?
When I joined the commission in October, I made a conscious decision not to listen to rumors and to start with a clean slate. Everyone has opinions and all should be heard before any decisions are made. The employees in place have years of experience, so their opinions matter and will be heard. At the end of the day, there is work to be done and conflict won’t help the process. Open communication and listening to others are key to helping the department move forward.
2. Given the reported deferred maintenance in historic cemeteries like Old Burial Hill and the Hooper Tomb, what are your priorities for addressing these issues, and how would you propose funding necessary repairs?
The board has acknowledged the importance of Marblehead’s historic cemeteries and has been discussing the crumbling wall at the Hooper Tomb on Harris Street. At our March meeting, a member of the Harris Street Cemeteries Oversight Commission joined us to identify ways the two boards can collaborate. We discussed possible fundraising ideas and agreed to work together on current and future preservation efforts.
3. What alternative funding sources, such as grants or community partnerships, would you pursue to supplement the cemetery budget and support preservation efforts?
At last week’s Town Meeting, the board worked with the town’s finance director to move funds from the sale of lots fund and the perpetual care fund into a capital improvement fund. This will allow us to begin several identified projects. This is just a startâmore is needed. We will pursue grants, community partnerships and any available state funding to support our preservation goals.
4. What is your vision for a long-term plan to ensure that Marblehead’s cemeteries can accommodate future needs while respecting historical significance?
We are currently working to expand two areas: the site by Liberty Lane and the newest veterans lot on Creesy Street. These projects began in recent years but stalled; we now plan to use newly obtained funds to continue the next phases. Beyond that, weâre always on the lookout for additional town land that could be suitable for future burial space, balancing current needs with historic preservation.
