Cover photo for Gerald Bugden, Jr.'s Obituary
Gerald Bugden, Jr. Profile Photo
1955 Gerald 2021

Gerald Bugden, Jr.

August 17, 1955 — August 14, 2021

Gerald D. Bugden Jr., age 65, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Somerville, Massachusetts on August 17, 1955, he was the son of the late Gerald D. and Lillian (Bogus) Bugden.  He spent his early years in Somerville before settling in the Hough's Neck area of Quincy with his family.  While living in Quincy, Jerry found his love for baseball, taking his talents with him to Quincy Vocational Technical High School, where, as a standout athlete, he was inducted in the Quincy Hall of Fame before his graduation in 1973.
His pitching skills were quickly noticed by the Saint Louis Cardinals, who signed him to their minor league team, The Johnson City Cardinals Baseball Club.  Jerry packed his things and headed to Johnson City, Tennessee, where he made his home for two years, fulfilling his dream of playing in the big league.  In the years following, Jerry moved to Florida, making his home on Marathon Key and finding work as a cook in various restaurants.  Six years later, Jerry returned to his hometown of Quincy, Massachusetts, settling back in Hough's Neck.  He continued his career in the kitchen, working in several area restaurants, in addition to developing his career as a house painter.
Jerry married his beloved wife, Rhonda A. Johnson, on July 8, 1989 in Saint Timothy's Church in Norwood.  Together they made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, where they welcomed their son, David.  As his family grew, Jerry saw the need to better his career, asking his friend to train him on driving trucks.  Jerry earned his Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and found work with various local companies before taking a position with Penske Trucking.
When he wasn't hard at work, Jerry enjoyed relaxing at home, following his favorite Boston teams, including the Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots; listening to some of his favorite music; or perusing his vast trading card collection.  He also enjoyed spending time in his workshop, crafting bird houses and creating underwater environments in his fish tanks.  Most of all, Jerry was a dedicated family man, who loved spending time with his wife and son.  As a devoted Dad, Jerry loved passing on his love of baseball to his son, David, often volunteering for a coaching position with Walpole Little League.
Beloved husband of Rhonda A. (Johnson) Bugden.
Loving father of David G. Bugden of Walpole.
Brother of Thomas Keefe and his wife, Diana, of Quincy, George Keefe and his wife, Tammy, of Bangor, Maine, and Janice Keefe of Braintree.
Devoted uncle to several nieces and nephews, including Brianna Johnson of Foxborough.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jerry's Life Celebration on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Graveside Service will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald Bugden, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Life Celebration

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home

48 Common St, Walpole, MA 02081

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